The role of Oestrogen and Oxytocin Flashcards
What is oestrogen?
A group of steroid hormones which promotes the development and maintenance of female characteristics in the body
What are examples of oestrogen steroid hormones?
Oestradiol, Oestrone and Oestriol
What does oestrogen later help to regulate?
Menstruation
Who produces oestrogen?
Although primarily a female hormone, males do produce small amounts
What effects does oestrogen?
Physical changes = development of breasts
Psychological + behavioural effects = premenstrual tension
How does oestrogen affect the brain?
Feminises it by promoting neural interconnections for a more distributed female brain (equal use of both hemispheres)
What are some examples of female-type behaviours that oestrogen are associated with?
Sensitivity and co-operation
What was Albrecht’s and Pepe’s research into oestrogen?
Found that increasing oestrogen levels in pregnant baboons led to heightened cortisol production which assisted in the development of organs and tissues in foetuses and led to reduced levels of miscarriage - showing importance of oestrogen in maintaining and promoting pregnancy
What was Alonso and Rosenfield’s research into oestrogen?
Reported that oestrogen is necessary for the normal development of body area and tissue like the neuroendocrine- gonadal axis, associated with puberty in males and females. This supports the idea that oestrogen is associated with the transformation into sexually active and able not just in females but in males too
What is Oxytocin?
A polypeptide hormone which acts as a neurotransmitter that controls key aspects of the reproductive system
Who produces oxytocin and where is it produced?
In and outside of the brain by both males and females
Why is Oxytocin’s action greater in females?
It combines with oestrogen to enhance each other’s effect.
What does oxytocin help facilitate?
Childbirth (by helping to stimulate contractions) and breast feeding
When does oxytocin increase and by how much?
Increases five fold during sex (although drops immediately in males after orgasm)
How does oxytocin affect female social behaviour?
Affects mate selection, nesting behaviour, monogamy and pair bonding as well as nurturing, acceptance and protection of offspring
What was Van Leengoed et al’s research into oxytocin?
Injected an antagonist of oxytocin into female rats shortly after birth to inhibit oxytocin production. Mothers treated in this way showed a delay in maternal behaviours such as picking up and grooming their pups. When the effects of the antagonist wore off normal maternal behaviour was seen. Supports the idea of oxytocin being involved in the promotion of maternal behaviour
What was Elourne et al’s research into oxytocin ?
Assessed the administration of oxytocin in 3000 participants during the third stage of labour (a time associated with birth complications, especially during the delivery of the placenta) to find evidence of reduced blood loss, highlighting the role oxytocin plays in achieving successful childbirth
What was White-Traut et al’s research into oxytocin?
Measured oxytocin levels in saliva produced by females before, during and after breastfeeding. Oxytocin levels were highest immediately before breastfeeding showing its role in promoting breastfeeding.
