Oxytocin Flashcards
Which nucleus of the hypothalamus releases oxytocin?
Paraventricular nucleus
What kind of hormone is oxytocin?
Neuropeptide
What is oxytocin’s effect on the uterus?
Causes muscle cells in the myometrium to increase intracellular calcium to enhance uterine contraction
How does the uterus signal to hypothalamus to release oxytocin?
Stretch receptors in cervix signal to the hypothalamus
How does the breast tissue signal to the hypothalamus to release oxytocin?
Mechanoreceptors stimulated by suckling
Which cells does oxytocin stimulate in the breast?
Myoepithelial cells to cause milk ejection
Which hormone causes the milk let down reflex?
oxytocin
What is the affect of oxytocin on male reproductive system?
Helps with ejaculation by contraction of the vas deferens
What is the potential impact of giving too much oxytocin to a post partum patient?
Hyponatraemia and water retention
How does oxytocin effect intracellular calcium in the myometrial cells?
Activates phospholipase C to produce IP3 which activates release of calcium from intracellular stores
Which factors inhibit myometrial contraction?
cAMP and protein kinase A
What does oxytocin require in order to bind to a g-protein coupled receptor?
Magnesium and cholesterol
