Oxytocin: an expansive review of its mechanisms, functions, and therapeutic potential
Open accessAbstract
Oxytocin, a neuropeptide crucial for social bonding and reproduction, has captivated scientific interest due to its diverse mechanisms, physiological effects, and therapeutic promise. This review provides a comprehensive overview, covering oxytocin's molecular actions, physiological functions, and therapeutic applications. At the molecular level, oxytocin activates specific receptors, influencing neuronal activity and neurotransmitter release, impacting social behavior like trust and empathy. Beyond its role in childbirth and lactation, it affects cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and immune systems, and may have implications in stress regulation, pain modulation, and addiction pathways, broadening its therapeutic potential. Oxytocin's multifaceted effects have positioned it as a promising treatment for psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative disorders. Studies have shown promise in conditions like autism spectrum disorders, social anxiety, postpartum depression, and schizophrenia, while also improving social cognition and reducing addictive behaviors. Despite accumulating evidence, challenges remain in harnessing oxytocin's full clinical benefits, including individual response variations, optimal dosing, and potential side effects. Further research is needed to refine its application in different contexts. In conclusion, oxytocin's diverse mechanisms and functions make it a captivating molecule. Research and well-designed studies hold the promise of unlocking its full therapeutic potential, benefiting individuals across various disorders and promoting healthier social interactions.
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OXT promotes the release of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which reduces neuronal excitability and produces anxiolytic effects.
“OXT promotes the release of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which reduces neuronal excitability and produces anxiolytic effects (Sobota et al., 2015; Yuki, 2023).”
From Music's context-dependent influence on oxytocin, social bonding, and emotion regulation: a systematic review (2026) · cites this paper as Yuki, 2023
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Chu, T.-H., & Tsai, C.-G. (2026) · Frontiers in cognition · doi:10.3389/fcogn.2025.1678665 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“For example, OXT promotes the release of γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA), which reduces neuronal excitability and produces anxiolytic effects (Sobota et al., 2015; Yuki, 2023).”
- Authors
- Ueda, Y.
- Corresponding author
- Yuki Ueda
- Venue
- World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews
- Publisher
- GSC Online Press
- Published
- 2023-07-30
- Volume
- 19
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 1264-1272
- ISSN
- 2581-9615 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4385379816
- Cited by
- 5
- References
- 61
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 1
- FWCI
- 1.48
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- hybrid
- doi.org
- Licence
- cc-by-nc-sa
- Locations
- World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuropeptides and Animal Physiology
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
- Keywords
- oxytocin, oxytocin receptor, social bonding, reproduction, childbirth, lactation, cardiovascular effects, gastrointestinal effects, immune system, stress regulation, pain modulation, addiction, mental illness, autism spectrum disorder, social anxiety, postpartum depression, schizophrenia, social cognition, therapeutic potential
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