Oxytocin

Oxytocin, a neuropeptide synthesized in the hypothalamus, is pivotal for social bonding and maternal behaviors, influencing pair bonding and recognition. Acting through receptors distributed in the brain, including areas like the amygdala and hippocampus, it enhances sensory information processing, enabling adaptive responses. Oxytocinergic pathways, mapped extensively in rodents, show intricate connectivity with cortical and subcortical regions. Its receptor expression varies across species, underlying diverse behavioral patterns. This peptide’s dual roles in peripheral functions like parturition and central mechanisms for social interaction make it a key focus in behavioral neuroscience, showcasing its evolutionary significance and impact on neural plasticity.

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