The oxytocin receptor: from intracellular signaling to behavior

Jurek, Benjamin; Neumann, Inga D.

doi:10.1152/physrev.00031.2017

Cited by 999Neuroendocrine regulation and behaviorNeuropeptides and Animal PhysiologyNeurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

The oxytocin receptor: from intracellular signaling to behavior

Jurek, Benjamin, Neumann, Inga D.·2018·Physiological Reviews

DOI 10.1152/physrev.00031.2017

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Abstract

The many facets of the oxytocin (OXT) system of the brain and periphery elicited nearly 25,000 publications since 1930 (see FIGURE 1 , as listed in PubMed), which revealed central roles for OXT and its receptor (OXTR) in reproduction, and social and emotional behaviors in animal and human studies focusing on mental and physical health and disease. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of OXT expression and release, expression and binding of the OXTR in brain and periphery, OXTR-coupled signaling cascades, and their involvement in behavioral outcomes to assemble a comprehensive picture of the central and peripheral OXT system. Traditionally known for its role in milk let-down and uterine contraction during labor, OXT also has implications in physiological, and also behavioral, aspects of reproduction, such as sexual and maternal behaviors and pair bonding, but also anxiety, trust, sociability, food intake, or even drug abuse. The many facets of OXT are, on a molecular basis, brought about by a single receptor. The OXTR, a 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor capable of binding to either Gα i or Gα q proteins, activates a set of signaling cascades, such as the MAPK, PKC, PLC, or CaMK pathways, which converge on transcription factors like CREB or MEF-2. The cellular response to OXT includes regulation of neurite outgrowth, cellular viability, and increased survival. OXTergic projections in the brain represent anxiety and stress-regulating circuits connecting the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, or the medial prefrontal cortex. Which OXT-induced patterns finally alter the behavior of an animal or a human being is still poorly understood, and studying those OXTR-coupled signaling cascades is one initial step toward a better understanding of the molecular background of those behavioral effects.

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OXT exhibits temporally and spatially specific release patterns, and peripheral release can occur independently of or in parallel with central release.
“OXT exhibits temporally and spatially specific release patterns, and peripheral release can occur independently of or in parallel with central release (Jurek and Neumann, 2018).”
From Music's context-dependent influence on oxytocin, social bonding, and emotion regulation: a systematic review (2026) · cites this paper as Jurek and Neumann, 2018
OXT activates OXTRs, which are coupled with Gq or Gi/o proteins, resulting in diverse downstream effects.
“OXT activates OXTRs, which are coupled with Gq or Gi/o proteins, resulting in diverse downstream effects (Jurek and Neumann, 2018).”
From Music's context-dependent influence on oxytocin, social bonding, and emotion regulation: a systematic review (2026) · cites this paper as Jurek and Neumann, 2018
There is a bidirectional relationship between the OXTergic system and the HPA axis.
“Furthermore, there is a bidirectional relationship between the OXTergic system and the HPA axis (Bowling, 2023; Harvey, 2020; Jurek and Neumann, 2018).”
From Music's context-dependent influence on oxytocin, social bonding, and emotion regulation: a systematic review (2026) · cites this paper as Jurek and Neumann, 2018
OXT engages in intracellular signaling to regulate gene expression and synaptic plasticity in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex to support long-term adaptations in emotional responses and social behaviors.
“OXT engages in intracellular signaling to regulate gene expression (Jurek and Neumann, 2018; Uvnas-Moberg, 2024) and synaptic plasticity in the amygdala (Gur et al., 2014), hippocampus (Lin and Hsu, 2018), and prefrontal cortex (Ninan, 2011) to support long-term adaptations in emotional responses and social behaviors (Marlin and Froemke, 2017).”
From Music's context-dependent influence on oxytocin, social bonding, and emotion regulation: a systematic review (2026) · cites this paper as Jurek and Neumann, 2018
In the CNS, OXT is released from dendritic or axonal terminals to specific brain regions to modulate neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and neural network activity.
“In the CNS, OXT is released from dendritic or axonal terminals to specific brain regions to modulate neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and neural network activity (Chini et al., 2017; Jurek and Neumann, 2018).”
From Music's context-dependent influence on oxytocin, social bonding, and emotion regulation: a systematic review (2026) · cites this paper as Jurek and Neumann, 2018

OXT can suppress the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and reduce downstream cortisol secretion to moderate stress responses.
“OXT can suppress the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and reduce downstream cortisol secretion to moderate stress responses (Bowling, 2023; Harvey, 2020; Jurek and Neumann, 2018).”
From Music's context-dependent influence on oxytocin, social bonding, and emotion regulation: a systematic review (2026) · cites this paper as Jurek and Neumann, 2018
In the CNS, spatial specificity of OXT release allows for nuanced modulation.
“In the CNS, spatial specificity of OXT release allows for nuanced modulation.”
From Music's context-dependent influence on oxytocin, social bonding, and emotion regulation: a systematic review (2026) · cites this paper as Jurek and Neumann, 2018
Fasting and exercise restrictions did not have significant influence on OXT levels, but other behavioral confounders such as hospital anxiety or sexual activity prior to sampling still need to be considered.
“While fasting and exercise restrictions did not have significant influence on OXT levels (Engel et al., 2019), other behavioral confounders, such as hospital anxiety or sexual activity prior to sampling, still need to be considered (Jurek and Neumann, 2018).”
From Music's context-dependent influence on oxytocin, social bonding, and emotion regulation: a systematic review (2026) · cites this paper as Jurek and Neumann, 2018
Oxytocin receptors are generally coupled to Gq/11α GTP-binding proteins, which stimulate phospholipase C (PLC) to produce inositol triphosphate and diacylglycerol.
“Oxytocin receptors are generally coupled to Gq/11α GTP-binding proteins, which stimulate phospholipase C (PLC) to produce inositol triphosphate and diacylglycerol”
From Oxytocin, Neural Plasticity, and Social Behavior (2021) · cites this paper as Jurek & Neumann 2018
Oxytocin receptor activation increases intracellular Ca2+, leading to depolarization, neurotransmitter release, and/or gene transcription and protein synthesis.
“This increases intracellular Ca2+, leading to depolarization, neurotransmitter release, and/or gene transcription and protein synthesis”
From Oxytocin, Neural Plasticity, and Social Behavior (2021) · cites this paper as Jurek & Neumann 2018
The behavioral effects of vasopressin are mediated primarily by V1aR and V1bR, while vasopressin acts on V2 to regulate fluid homeostasis in the kidney.
“The behavioral effects of AVP are mediated primarily by V1aR (or Avpr1a) and V1bR (16,37,38,49,68), while AVP acts on V2 to regulate fluid homeostasis in the kidney (69).”
From Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior: From Neural Circuits to Clinical Opportunities (2022) · cites this paper as [38]
In rats, paraventricular oxytocin neurons are active during sexual behavior in males and females and blocking oxytocin action in the ventromedial hypothalamus and medial preoptic area reduces female receptivity.
“In rats, PVN OXT neurons are active during sexual behavior in males and females and blocking OXT action in ventromedial hypothalamus and MPOA reduces female receptivity (38).”
From Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior: From Neural Circuits to Clinical Opportunities (2022) · cites this paper as [38]
Oxytocin is strongly involved both in male and female sexual behavior through central and peripheral action.
“OXT is strongly involved both in male and female sexual behavior through central and peripheral action (38).”
From Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior: From Neural Circuits to Clinical Opportunities (2022) · cites this paper as [38]
Oxytocin contributes to sexual arousal and sexual reward in males, while oxytocin influences lordosis and orgasm in females.
“OXT contributes to sexual arousal and sexual reward in males, while OXT influences lordosis and orgasm in females (38).”
From Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior: From Neural Circuits to Clinical Opportunities (2022) · cites this paper as [38]
OT has long been known to be involved in social behaviors and is recently being explored as a therapeutic candidate for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
“OT has long been known to be involved in social behaviors and is recently being explored as a therapeutic candidate for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)”
From Wireless Optogenetic Stimulation of Oxytocin Neurons in a Semi-natural Setup Dynamically Elevates Both Pro-social and Agonistic Behaviors (2020) · cites this paper as Jurek and Neumann, 2018
In animals, OXT has demonstrated anxiolytic, (social) fear-reducing and extinction-facilitating effects in various established paradigms.
“In animals, OXT has demonstrated anxiolytic, (social) fear-reducing and extinctionfacilitating effects (see Section 8) in various established paradigms (Jurek & Neumann, 2018;Naja & Aoun, 2017).”
From Novel pharmacological targets in drug development for the treatment of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders (2019) · cites this paper as Jurek & Neumann, 2018
Suckling triggers the release of oxytocin.
“Suckling triggers the release of oxytocin, but other sensory cues—specifically, infant cries—can increase the levels of oxytocin in new human mothers7”
From Neural circuitry for maternal oxytocin release induced by infant cries (2023) · cites this paper as [2]
Oxytocin is important for maternal physiology and childcare, including parturition and milk ejection during nursing.
“Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that is important for maternal physiology and childcare, including parturition and milk ejection during nursing1–6.”
From Neural circuitry for maternal oxytocin release induced by infant cries (2023) · cites this paper as [2]
Oxytocin is produced mainly in the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus.
“oxytocin, a nine-amino-acid peptide that is produced mainly in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus1–4”
From Neural circuitry for maternal oxytocin release induced by infant cries (2023) · cites this paper as [2]
Oxytocin is a critical modulator of fear and anxiety and in the vast majority of cases elicits anxiolytic effects.
“Oxytocin, on its side, has been widely demonstrated to be a critical modulator of fear and anxiety (Jurek and Neumann, 2018), which in the vast majority of cases, elicits anxiolytic effects (see Jang et al. (2021); Chun et al. (2022)).”
From Evidence for the existence of facilitatory interactions between the dopamine D2 receptor and the oxytocin receptor in the amygdala of the rat relevance for anxiolytic actions (2023) · cites this paper as Jurek and Neumann, 2018
Large numbers of axon collaterals extend from the oxytocin (OXT) hypothalamic axons, especially the parvocellular components, to other brain regions.
“In the last 10 years, it has become increasingly clear that large numbers of axon collaterals extend from the oxytocin (OXT) hypothalamic axons, especially the parvocellular components, to other brain regions.”
From The oxytocin receptor represents a key hub in the GPCR heteroreceptor network: Potential relevance for brain and behavior (2022) · cites this paper as Jurek and Neumann, 2018

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Infant vocalization, adult aggression, and fear behavior of an oxytocin null mutant mouse
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Oxytocin enhances brain reward system responses in men viewing the face of their female partner
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Oxytocin, Neural Plasticity, and Social Behavior
Froemke, R. C., & Young, L. J. (2021) · Annual Review of Neuroscience · doi:10.1146/annurev-neuro-102320-102847 · Cited by 487 · see citing works
“There are potentially many biological processes by which oxytocin receptor signaling can indirectly influence gene expression, excitability, synaptic transmission, and neural computations ( Jurek & Neumann 2018) beyond the scope of this review.”
Background
Is oxytocin “nature’s medicine”
Carter, C. S., Kenkel, W. M., MacLean, E. L., Wilson, S. R., Perkeybile, A. M., Yee, J. R., Ferris, C. F., Nazarloo, H. P., Porges, S. W., Davis, J. M., et al. (2020) · Pharmacological Reviews · doi:10.1124/pr.120.019398 · Cited by 394 · see citing works
Social touch promotes interfemale communication via activation of parvocellular oxytocin neurons
Tang, Y., Benusiglio, D., Lefevre, A., Hilfiger, L., Althammer, F., Bludau, A., Hagiwara, D., Baudon, A., Darbon, P., Schimmer, J., et al. (2020) · Nature Neuroscience · doi:10.1038/s41593-020-0674-y · Cited by 249 · see citing works
Self-citation
Novel pharmacological targets in drug development for the treatment of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders
Sartori, S. B., & Singewald, N. (2019) · Pharmacology & Therapeutics · doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107402 · Cited by 236 · see citing works
Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Social Behavior: From Neural Circuits to Clinical Opportunities
Rigney, N., de Vries, G. J., Petrulis, A., & Young, L. J. (2022) · Endocrinology · doi:10.1210/endocr/bqac111 · Cited by 191 · see citing works
Challenges for measuring oxytocin: the blind men and the elephant?
MacLean, E. L., Wilson, S. R., Martin, W. L., Davis, J. M., Nazarloo, H. P., & Carter, C. S. (2019) · Psychoneuroendocrinology · doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.05.018 · Cited by 183 · see citing works
Advances in human oxytocin measurement: challenges and proposed solutions
Tabak, B. A., Leng, G., Szeto, A., Parker, K. J., Verbalis, J. G., Ziegler, T. E., Lee, M. R., Neumann, I. D., & Mendez, A. J. (2023) · Molecular Psychiatry · doi:10.1038/s41380-022-01719-z · Cited by 170 · see citing works
Self-citation
Neuropeptide and small transmitter coexistence: Fundamental studies and relevance to mental illness
Hökfelt, T., Barde, S., Xu, Z.-Q. D., Kuteeva, E., Rüegg, J., Le Maitre, E., Risling, M., Kehr, J., Ihnatko, R., Theodorsson, E., et al. (2018) · Frontiers in Neural Circuits · doi:10.3389/fncir.2018.00106 · Cited by 139 · see citing works
Social touch-like tactile stimulation activates a tachykinin 1-oxytocin pathway to promote social interactions
Yu, H., Miao, W., Ji, E., Huang, S., Jin, S., Zhu, X., Liu, M.-Z., Sun, Y.-G., Xu, F., & Yu, X. (2022) · Neuron · doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2021.12.022 · Cited by 144 · see citing works
Whole-brain wiring diagram of oxytocin system in adult mice
Son, S., Manjila, S. B., Newmaster, K. T., Wu, Y.-T., Vanselow, D. J., Ciarletta, M., Anthony, T. E., Cheng, K. C., & Kim, Y. (2022) · The Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1523/jneurosci.0307-22.2022 · Cited by 125 · see citing works
The physiology and pharmacology of oxytocin in labor and in the peripartum period
Uvnäs-Moberg, K. (2024) · American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology · doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2023.04.011 · Cited by 118 · see citing works
Neural circuitry for maternal oxytocin release induced by infant cries
Valtcheva, S., Issa, H. A., Bair-Marshall, C. J., Martin, K. A., Jung, K., Zhang, Y., Kwon, H.-B., & Froemke, R. C. (2023) · Nature · doi:10.1038/s41586-023-06540-4 · Cited by 115 · see citing works
Oxytocin blocks enhanced motivation for alcohol in alcohol dependence and blocks alcohol effects on GABAergic transmission in the central amygdala
Tunstall, B. J., Kirson, D., Zallar, L. J., McConnell, S. A., Vendruscolo, J. C. M., Ho, C. P., Oleata, C. S., Khom, S., Manning, M., Lee, M. R., et al. (2019) · PLOS Biology · doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.2006421 · Cited by 104 · see citing works
Wireless Optogenetic Stimulation of Oxytocin Neurons in a Semi-natural Setup Dynamically Elevates Both Pro-social and Agonistic Behaviors
Anpilov, S., Shemesh, Y., Eren, N., Harony-Nicolas, H., Benjamin, A., Dine, J., Oliveira, V. E. M., Forkosh, O., Karamihalev, S., Hüttl, R.-E., et al. (2020) · Neuron · doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2020.05.028 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
Self-citation
Links between the neurobiology of oxytocin and human musicality
Harvey, A. R. (2020) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2020.00350 · Cited by 85 · see citing works
Oxytocin and vasopressin: signalling, behavioural modulation and potential therapeutic effects
Rae, M., Lemos Duarte, M., Gomes, I., Camarini, R., & Devi, L. A. (2022) · British Journal of Pharmacology · doi:10.1111/bph.15481 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
Predictable maternal separation confers adult stress resilience via the medial prefrontal cortex oxytocin signaling pathway in rats
Shi, D.-D., Zhang, Y.-D., Ren, Y.-Y., Peng, S.-Y., Yuan, T.-F., & Wang, Z. (2021) · Molecular Psychiatry · doi:10.1038/s41380-021-01293-w · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Neural functions of hypothalamic oxytocin and its regulation
Wang, P., Wang, S. C., Liu, X., Jia, S., Wang, X., Li, T., Yu, J., Parpura, V., & Wang, Y.-F. (2022) · ASN Neuro · doi:10.1177/17590914221100706 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
Oxytocin and love: myths, metaphors and mysteries.
Carter, C. S. (2022) · Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology · doi:10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100107 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
Demographic, sampling- and assay-related confounders of endogenous oxytocin concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Engel, S., Laufer, S., Miller, R., Niemeyer, H., Knaevelsrud, C., & Schumacher, S. (2019) · Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology · doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100775 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Endogenous oxytocin, cortisol, and testosterone in response to group singing
Bowling, D. L., Gahr, J., Ancochea, P. G., Hoeschele, M., Canoine, V., Fusani, L., & Fitch, W. T. (2022) · Hormones and Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105105 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
Convergence of oxytocin and dopamine signalling in neuronal circuits: Insights into the neurobiology of social interactions across species
Rappeneau, V., & Castillo Díaz, F. (2024) · Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105675 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
“Its actions are primarily mediated by OXT receptors (OXTR), which are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) extensively expressed throughout the body and the brain, including areas involved in social cognition, emotional processing, and reward (Jurek and Neumann, 2018).”
Background
Developmental effects of oxytocin neurons on social affiliation and processing of social information
Nunes, A. R., Gliksberg, M., Varela, S. A. M., Teles, M., Wircer, E., Blechman, J., Petri, G., Levkowitz, G., & Oliveira, R. F. (2021) · The Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1523/jneurosci.2939-20.2021 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
Investigation of Oxtr-expressing Neurons Projecting to Nucleus Accumbens using Oxtr-ires-Cre Knock-in prairie Voles (Microtus ochrogaster)
Horie, K., Inoue, K., Nishimori, K., & Young, L. J. (2020) · Neuroscience · doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.08.023 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
“OXT binds to OXTR, which is a G protein coupled receptor coupling with Gaq/11 and transducing intracellular signaling (Jurek and Neumann, 2018).”
Background
Brain vasopressin signaling modulates aspects of maternal behavior in lactating rats
Bayerl, D. S., & Bosch, O. J. (2019) · Genes, Brain and Behavior · doi:10.1111/gbb.12517 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Oxytocin receptors are widely distributed in the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) brain: Relation to social behavior, genetic polymorphisms, and the dopamine system
Inoue, K., Ford, C. L., Horie, K., & Young, L. J. (2022) · Journal of Comparative Neurology · doi:10.1002/cne.25382 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
Paraventricular nucleus oxytocin subsystems promote active paternal behaviors in mandarin voles
He, Z., Zhang, L., Hou, W., Zhang, X., Young, L. J., Li, L., Liu, L., Ma, H., Xun, Y., Lv, Z., et al. (2021) · The Journal of Neuroscience · doi:10.1523/jneurosci.2864-20.2021 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
The oxytocin receptor represents a key hub in the GPCR heteroreceptor network: Potential relevance for brain and behavior
Borroto-Escuela, D. O., Cuesta-Marti, C., Lopez-Salas, A., Chruścicka-Smaga, B., Crespo-Ramírez, M., Tesoro-Cruz, E., Palacios-Lagunas, D. A., Perez de la Mora, M., Schellekens, H., & Fuxe, K. (2022) · Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnmol.2022.1055344 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Distribution of brain oxytocin and vasopressin V1a receptors in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): comparison with humans and other primate species
Rogers Flattery, C. N., Coppeto, D. J., Inoue, K., Rilling, J. K., Preuss, T. M., & Young, L. J. (2022) · Brain Structure and Function · doi:10.1007/s00429-021-02369-7 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
Oxytocin receptor behavioral effects and cell types in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis
Luo, P. X., Zakharenkov, H. C., Torres, L. Y., Rios, R. A., Gegenhuber, B., Black, A. M., Xu, C. K., Minie, V. A., Tran, A. M., Tollkuhn, J., et al. (2022) · Hormones and Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105203 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
Diversity of central oxytocinergic projections
Jirikowski, G. F. (2019) · Cell and Tissue Research · doi:10.1007/s00441-018-2960-5 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
The interplay between glutamatergic circuits and oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamus and its relevance to neurodevelopmental disorders
Leithead, A. B., Tasker, J. G., & Harony‐Nicolas, H. (2021) · Journal of Neuroendocrinology · doi:10.1111/jne.13061 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Heterodimer of A2A and oxytocin receptors regulating glutamate release in adult striatal astrocytes
Amato, S., Averna, M., Guidolin, D., Pedrazzi, M., Pelassa, S., Capraro, M., Passalacqua, M., Bozzo, M., Gatta, E., Anderlini, D., et al. (2022) · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · doi:10.3390/ijms23042326 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Dysfunctional heteroreceptor complexes as novel targets for the treatment of major depressive and anxiety disorders
Pérez de la Mora, M., Borroto-Escuela, D. O., Crespo-Ramírez, M., Rejón-Orantes, J. D. C., Palacios-Lagunas, D. A., Martínez-Mata, M. K., Sánchez-Luna, D., Tesoro-Cruz, E., & Fuxe, K. (2022) · Cells · doi:10.3390/cells11111826 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Plasma oxytocin is modulated by mental training, but does not mediate its stress-buffering effect
Hoehne, K., Vrtička, P., Engert, V., & Singer, T. (2022) · Psychoneuroendocrinology · doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105734 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Evidence for the existence of facilitatory interactions between the dopamine D2 receptor and the oxytocin receptor in the amygdala of the rat relevance for anxiolytic actions
Hernández-Mondragón, J. C., Hernández-Hernández, D. A., Crespo-Ramírez, M., Prospero-García, O., Rocha-Arrieta, L., Fuxe, K., Borroto-Escuela, D. O., & Perez de la Mora, M. (2023) · Frontiers in Pharmacology · doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1251922 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
Exocrine scent marking: coordinative role of arginine vasopressin in the systemic regulation of social signaling behaviors
Arakawa, H., & Higuchi, Y. (2022) · Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104597 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
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Authors: Jurek, B., & Neumann, I. D.
Affiliations: University of Regensburg (DE)
ORCID: Jurek, Benjamin
Neumann, Inga D.
Venue: Physiological Reviews
Publisher: American Physiological Society
Published: 2018-07-01
Volume: 98
Issue: 3
Pages: 1805-1908
ISSN: 0031-9333 (ISSN-L)
1522-1210
DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00031.2017
OpenAlex: W2808328764
Semantic Scholar: b45ed0d9c0bcef95297c3254854467ee334c33b8
Cited by: 999
References: 1,146
Citations by year: 2026: 125 · 2025: 138 · 2024: 139 · 2023: 118 · 2022: 156 · 2021: 157 · 2020: 98 · 2019: 46 · 2018: 22
FWCI: 12.58
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Physiological Reviews (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) (NE 465/31-1 and JU 3039/1-1)
BMBF (710849)
EU (930742)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuropeptides and Animal Physiology
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
Keywords: oxytocin, oxytocin receptor, G protein-coupled receptors, intracellular signaling, social behavior, anxiety, stress, reproduction, maternal behavior, pair bonding, MAPK signaling, CREB, MEF2, hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial prefrontal cortex, drug abuse, dietary intake, sociability
MeSH terms: Animals, Arginine Vasopressin, Behavior, Animal, Brain, Eating, Humans, Oxytocin, Satiety Response, Behavior, Addictive, Receptors, Oxytocin, Evolution, Molecular, Calcium Signaling, MAP Kinase Signaling System

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The oxytocin receptor: from intracellular signaling to behavior

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