Oxytocin and how is it related to the science behind love

BY Napat Naiyavitit, Punika Suvimolpan, Hargun Champi

EDITED BY Pich Paholpak

Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter often referred to as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain, and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland. It plays various roles in social behaviors, empathy, bonding, trust, and sexual activity. In the context of love, oxytocin is believed to contribute to feelings of attachment and bonding between romantic partners, parents, and children, or even crushes. In addition, Oxytocin is released during sexual activity and may contribute to feelings of pleasure and intimacy. Increased level of oxytocin is associated with positive social behaviors, intimacy, and relationship closeness. 

Oxytocin can be released in various ways, including hormones like estrogen and sensory stimulation. It can be released as a response from stressful or pleasurable situations, experienced throughout our day to day life. When oxytocin is released in response to pain and stressful stimuli, it may act as a positive stimuli to help dampen stress reactions. On the other hand, the release of oxytocin in response to non-noxious (pleasant) somatosensory stimulation may be involved in self-soothing behaviors. These behaviors help individuals cope with stress and maintain emotional well-being.

The most well-known situations causing oxytocin release include labor and breastfeeding, when oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions and milk ejection. In these situations oxytocin is released following activation of sensory nerves originating from the urogenital tract (pelvic/hypogastric nerves) and from the nipple (mammary nerves). Oxytocin can also be released from the skin via activation of cutaneous sensory nerves in response to touch, light pressure, massage-like stroking, and warm temperatures. Oxytocin can also be released following activation of other sensory nerves from the oral mucosa, and the gastrointestinal tract as well.

This diagram below shows nerves from different parts of the body contribute towards the stimulation of oxytocin:

There are effects of oxytocin which can be observed before and after stimulation

Non-noxious sensory stimulation has been shown to increase the release of oxytocin from oxytocinergic neurons that project from the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) to the locus coeruleus (LC) and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). This release of oxytocin into the LC and NTS results in an increase in the number of alpha 2-adrenoreceptors on the noradrenergic neurons originating in the LC and NTS. This increase in alpha 2-adrenoreceptors leads to decreased stress levels and decreased reactivity to stress, as well as the stimulation of processes related to restoration and growth. The oxytocin released into the brainstem by non-noxious sensory stimulation potentiates the actions of local brainstem reflexes and facilitates the function of sensory neurons that mediate oxytocin release in the NTS. This displays how non-noxious sensory stimulation has a significant impact on stress and other processes which are related to restoration and growth.

Before stimulation

Individuals may experience a range of emotional and psychological states that diminish social bonding and connections within relationships. Stress levels may be elevated, increasing heart rates, blood pressure, and muscle tension. Emotionally, individuals feel less trusted and empathetic before the stimulation of oxytocin. This creates barriers to forming meaningful relationships and connections as well as prevents the ability to engage in social interactions. Cognitively, individuals tend to be more focused on potential threats in their surroundings, ultimately leading to a lack of connection with others. This state of alertness causes social interactions to feel more difficult, leading to social isolation and disconnection in relationships. 

After Stimulation

The stimulation of oxytocin can lead to a range of physiological and psychological effects, although they vary by other influences of external factors. After the stimulation of oxytocin, the cortisol or stress hormone will be reduced, which promotes relaxation and helps alleviate individual anxiety. Social bonding can also be improved by the increase in feelings of intimacy and enhanced empathy toward others. Physically, oxytocin can affect cardiovascular functions, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, which later contribute to a sense of well-being. For parental behavior, it enhances the increase of caregiving and nurturing behavior and fosters the bond between parents and their child.

Conclusion

Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that plays various roles in social behaviors, empathy, sexual activity as well as relationships. In the context of love, the release of oxytocin increases love, bond and trust within romantic relationships. Released in various ways, oxytocin is a response from stressful or pleasurable situations, experienced throughout the day. After stimulation, oxytocin acts as a positive stimuli to relieve stress and maintain emotional well being. The physiological and psychological effects of oxytocin can be clearly noticed before and after stimulation such as reduced stress, increased connections and social bonding and enhanced feelings of intimacy. 

Works Cited

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