What is an oxytocin receptor?
oxytocin is a hormone that plays a major role in the reproductive system. In the brain, he participates in behavior, including social links. A protein called oxytocin receptor allows cells to recognize this hormone and respond to it. This receptor can be found in some areas of the mammary gland and uterus and in several brain structures.
Steroid hormones help regulate the expression of the gene that encoded the oxytocin receptor. For example, the presence of estrogen increases the expression of the gene and thus the total level of oxytocin receptors in the cell. Oxytocin has many effects such as uterine contraction during pregnancy and then, such as milk release. Steroid levels help in determining the presence of oxytocin receptors at these times, allowing the uterus and mammary glands to respond.
Some neurons release oxytocin and receptors that are present in brain structures such as the brain stem, the core of accumbens and amygdala allow the darkness to respond to this hormone. Is involved in mothers' behavior, socialties and sexual behavior. Variations in the gene that code for it could explain certain differences in these behavior between individuals.
One study examined how the differences in the oxytocin receptor gene could affect prosocial behavior. Scientists have found a connection between the gene and the behavior of participants in the game that included the giving of money. Some participants had a copy of the gene that encouraged more receptors. These individuals tend to give more money to the other player in the game on average.
other individuals in the study had a copy of the receptor gene that promoted gene suppression. This should have the result that it does not create so many oxytocin receptors and a reduced response to the hormone. Individuals with this variant of the gene tend to give less money the player in the game. The study shows that changes in how this receptor is expressed can have a significant impact on social functioning.
autism of the disease withIt characterizes antisocial behavior, except for many other symptoms. The expression of the oxytocin gene of the receptor can play a role in this behavior. Individuals with autism have shown that they have lower expression of this receptor than non -autistic people. This difference could explain at least some changes in social behavior observed in autism. The oxytocin receptor determines how people respond to oxytocin, and this affects not only reproductive processes but also complex social interactions.