Oxytocin
It has been shown that oxytocin differentially affects males and females. Females who are administered oxytocin are overall faster in responding to socially relevant stimuli than males who received oxytocin. Additionally, after the administration of oxytocin, females show increased amygdala activity in response to threatening scenes; however, males do not show increased amygdala activation. This phenomenon can be explained by looking at the role of gonadal hormones, specifically estrogen, which modulate the enhanced threat processing seen in females. Estrogen has been shown to stimulate the release of oxytocin from the hypothalamus and promote receptor binding in the amygdala.
Biomarkers of diabetes
Oxytocin (OXT), a hormone most commonly associated with labor and lactation, may have a wide variety of physiological and pathological functions, which makes Oxytocin and its receptor potential targets for drug therapy.
OXT may have positive metabolic effects; this is based on the change in glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity. It may modify glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity both through direct and indirect effects. It may also cause regenerative changes in diabetic pancreatic islet cells. So, the activation of the OXT receptor pathway by infusion of OXT, OXT analogues, or OXT agonists may represent a promising approach for the management of obesity and related metabolic diseases as well as diabetes and its complications.