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Cited by 351Neuroendocrine regulation and behaviorStress Responses and CortisolNeuropeptides and Animal Physiology

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Self-soothing behaviors with particular reference to oxytocin release induced by non-noxious sensory stimulation

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Uvnäs-Moberg, Kerstin, Handlin, Linda, Petersson, Maria·2015·Frontiers in Psychology
DOI 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01529PMC PMC4290532
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Abstract

Oxytocin, a hypothalamic nonapeptide, is linked to increased levels of social interaction, well-being and anti-stress effects. The effects of oxytocin that is released by sensory stimulation during different kinds of interactive behaviors are often underestimated or even forgotten. In fact, many of the positive effects caused during interaction, such a wellbeing, stress reduction and even health promotion, are indeed linked to oxytocin released in response to activation of various types of sensory nerves. Oxytocin is released in response to activation of sensory nerves during labor, breastfeeding and sexual activity. In addition oxytocin is released in response to low intensity stimulation of the skin, e.g., in response to touch, stroking, warm temperature, etc. Consequently oxytocin is not only released during interaction between mothers and infants, but also during positive interaction between adults or between humans and animals. Finally oxytocin is also released in response to suckling and food intake. Oxytocin released in the brain in response to sensory stimulation as a consequence of these types of interactive behaviors, contributes to every day wellbeing and ability to handle stress. Food intake or sex may be used or even abused to achieve oxytocin-linked wellbeing and stress relief to compensate for lack of good relationships or when the levels of anxiety are high. The present review article will summarize the role played by oxytocin released by sensory (in particular somatosensory) stimulation, during various kinds of interactive behaviors. Also the fact that the anti-stress effects of oxytocin are particularly strong when oxytocin is released in response to "low intensity" stimulation of the skin will be highlighted.

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Crossref · 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01529

Cites

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Figures

FIGURE 1 Schematic illustration of how oxytocinergic neurons within the PVN project to some important regulatory areas in the CNS. HC, hippocampus; HT, hypothalamus; PVN, paraventricular nucleus; NA, nucleus accumbens; AM, amygdala; PAG, periaqueductal gray; RN, raphe nuclei; LC, locus coeruleus; NTS, nucleus tractus solitarius; DMX, dorsal motor nucleus; FC, frontal cortex; P, pituitary.
FIGURE 1 Schematic illustration of how oxytocinergic neurons within the PVN project to some important regulatory areas in the CNS. HC, hippocampus; HT, hypothalamus; PVN, paraventricular nucleus; NA, nucleus accumbens; AM, amygdala; PAG, periaqueductal gray; RN, raphe nuclei; LC, locus coeruleus; NTS, nucleus tractus solitarius; DMX, dorsal motor nucleus; FC, frontal cortex; P, pituitary.CC BY · PubMed Central
FIGURE 2 Oxytocin plasma levels in male rats (n = 8) before and after 10 min of stroking (means ± SD). Data from Stock and Uvnäs-Moberg (1988).
FIGURE 2 Oxytocin plasma levels in male rats (n = 8) before and after 10 min of stroking (means ± SD). Data from Stock and Uvnäs-Moberg (1988).CC BY · PubMed Central
FIGURE 3 Schematic illustration showing how afferent nerves from different parts of the body stimulate oxytocin release.
FIGURE 3 Schematic illustration showing how afferent nerves from different parts of the body stimulate oxytocin release.CC BY · PubMed Central
FIGURE 4 Schematic illustration of different effects of oxytocin released from parvocellular neurons in the brainstem. 1. Noxious stimulation of afferent sensory nerves results in release of CRF and VP from the PVN. 2. Non-noxious stimulation of afferent sensory nerves results in release of oxytocin from the PVN. 3. Noxious and non-noxious stimulation of afferent sensory nerves result in activation of sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord (autonomic centra, AC). 4. Oxytocin released from oxytocinergic neurons originating from the PVN and projecting to areas in the brainstem and spinal cord involved in the control of autonomic nervous tone (e.g., the DMX) influences the function of autonomic nervous tone. In addition it reinforces and facilitates effects caused by shorter brain stem projections. In this way hypothalamic reflexes controls and modulates the activity of the shorter brainstem reflexes. 5. Oxytocin released from oxytocinergic neurons originating from the PVN and projecting to the NTS facilitates the function of afferent neurons involved in the release of oxytocin, thereby facilitating oxytocin release. It also activates alpha 2-adrenoceptors on noradrenergic fibers innervating CRF neurons in the PVN, thereby decreasing stress reactivity. In this way non-noxious somatosensory stimulation promotes oxytocin release and oxytocin mediated effects, but counteracts CRF and VP linked effects.
FIGURE 4 Schematic illustration of different effects of oxytocin released from parvocellular neurons in the brainstem. 1. Noxious stimulation of afferent sensory nerves results in release of CRF and VP from the PVN. 2. Non-noxious stimulation of afferent sensory nerves results in release of oxytocin from the PVN. 3. Noxious and non-noxious stimulation of afferent sensory nerves result in activation of sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord (autonomic centra, AC). 4. Oxytocin released from oxytocinergic neurons originating from the PVN and projecting to areas in the brainstem and spinal cord involved in the control of autonomic nervous tone (e.g., the DMX) influences the function of autonomic nervous tone. In addition it reinforces and facilitates effects caused by shorter brain stem projections. In this way hypothalamic reflexes controls and modulates the activity of the shorter brainstem reflexes. 5. Oxytocin released from oxytocinergic neurons originating from the PVN and projecting to the NTS facilitates the function of afferent neurons involved in the release of oxytocin, thereby facilitating oxytocin release. It also activates alpha 2-adrenoceptors on noradrenergic fibers innervating CRF neurons in the PVN, thereby decreasing stress reactivity. In this way non-noxious somatosensory stimulation promotes oxytocin release and oxytocin mediated effects, but counteracts CRF and VP linked effects.CC BY · PubMed Central

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Citations

Cites

2 retracted

Research works printed but not linked: 9

  1. Julius, 2013, Attachment to Pets—An Integrative View of Human-Animal Relationships with Implications for Therapeutic Practice
  2. Uvnäs-Moberg, 2004, “Massage, relaxation and well-being: a possible role for oxytocin as an integrative principle?,”
  3. Uvnäs-Moberg, 2006, “The role of oxytocin in the development of attachment and maternal adaptations during the postpartum period,”
  4. Uvnäs-Moberg, 2013, The Hormone of Closeness—The Role of Oxytocin in Relationships
  5. Uvnäs-Moberg, 2005, [Oxytocin, a mediator of anti-stress, well-being, social interaction, growth and healing], Z. Psychosom. Med. Psychother., 51, 57
  6. Uvnäs-Moberg, 2010, “Role of oxytocin and oxytocin related effects in manual therapies,”
  7. Uvnäs-Moberg, 2013, Oxytocin effects in mothers and infants during breastfeeding, Infant, 9, 201
  8. Van Bockstaele, 1996, Corticotropin-releasing factor-containing axon terminals synapse onto catecholamine dendrites and may presynaptically modulate other afferents in the rostral pole of the nucleus locus coeruleus in the rat brain, J. Comp. Neurol., 364, 523, 10.1002/(SICI)1096-9861(19960115)364:3523::AID-CNE103.0.CO;2-Q · DOI
  9. Velandia, 2012, Parent-Infant Interaction and Oxytocin Levels During Skin-to-Skin Contact after Cesarean Section and Mother–Infant Skin-to-Skin Contact as Treatment for Breastfeeding Problems

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Metadata

Authors
Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Handlin, L., & Petersson, M.
Affiliations
  • University of Skövde (SE)
  • Karolinska Institutet (SE)
ORCID
Venue
Frontiers in Psychology
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Published
2015-01-12
Volume
5
Pages
1529-1529
ISSN
1664-1078 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01529
PMC
PMC4290532
OpenAlex
W1970572311
Cited by
351
References
158
Citations by year
2026: 35 · 2025: 30 · 2024: 38 · 2023: 45 · 2022: 37 · 2021: 39 · 2020: 44 · 2019: 18 · 2018: 21 · 2017: 20 · 2016: 15 · 2015: 9
FWCI
35.54
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
  • Frontiers in Psychology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • University Library of Skövde (University of Skövde) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuropeptides and Animal Physiology
Keywords
oxytocin, somatosensory stimulation, cutaneous stimulation, stress reduction, well-being, social interaction, touch, warm temperature, dietary intake, sexual activity, mother-infant interaction, anti-stress effects

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