Plasma levels of oxytocin increase in response to suckling and feeding in dogs and sows

Involvement of Oxytocin and Progesterone Receptor Expression in the Etiology of Canine Uterine Inertia

An altered oxytocin and progesterone receptor (OXTR and PGR, respectively) expression was postulated in canine uterine inertia (UI), which is the lack of functional myometrial contractions. OXTR and PGR expressions were compared in uterine tissue obtained during C-section due to primary UI (PUI; n = 12) and obstructive dystocia (OD, n = 8). In PUI, the influence of litter size was studied (small/normal/large litter: PUI-S/N/L: n = 5/4/3). Staining intensity in immunohistochemistry was scored for the longitudinal and circular myometrial layer and summarized per dog (IP-Myoscore). Mean P4 did not differ significantly between PUI (n = 9) and OD (n = 7). OXTR and PGR expressions (ratios) were significantly higher in PUI (OXTR: p = 0.0019; PGR: p = 0.0339), also for OXTR in PUI-N versus OD (p = 0.0034). A trend for a higher PGR IP-Myoscore was identified (PUI-N vs. OD, p = 0.0626) as well as an influence of litter size (lowest PGR-Myoscore in PUI-L, p = 0.0391). In conclusion, PUI was not related to higher P4, but potentially increased PGR availability compared to OD. It remains to be clarified whether OXTR is upregulated in PUI due to a counterregulatory mechanism to overcome myometrial quiescence or downregulated in OD due to physiological slow OXTR desensitization associated with an advanced duration of labor. Identified OXTR differences between myometrial layers indicate the need for further research.

The Influence of Oxytocin on Maternal Care in Lactating Dogs

In recent years, many studies on the role of oxytocin (OXT) in the onset of parental care, regulation of social bonding, and modulation of the emotional state have been published. However, its possible regulation of maternal behavior in lactating dogs has not been investigated yet. For this reason, the present study aimed at assessing potential correlations between salivary oxytocin and maternal behavior in 25 lactating Labrador Retriever dogs. Salivary concentrations of OXT (sOXT) were unrelated to the amount of maternal care except for a weak negative correlation with sniffing/poking behavior. Moreover, sOXT was positively correlated with the percentage of male puppies. Sniffing/poking behavior, in turn, was positively correlated with the duration of time the mothers spent out of the whelping box, while the number of male puppies showed a positive correlation with lateral nursing, a position known to provide puppies the easiest access to the milk. Taken together, these results suggest that sOXT may not be strongly associated with maternal care dynamics but could be correlated with sex-biased parental investment in dogs.

Where Do We Stand in the Domestic Dog ( Canis familiaris ) Positive-Emotion Assessment: A State-of-the-Art Review and Future Directions

Although there have been a growing number of studies focusing on dog welfare, the research field concerning dog positive-emotion assessment remains mostly unexplored. This paper aims to provide a state-of-the-art review and summary of the scattered and disperse research on dog positive-emotion assessment. The review notably details the current advancement in dog positive-emotion research, what approaches, measures, methods, and techniques have been implemented so far in emotion perception, processing, and response assessment. Moreover, we propose possible future research directions for short-term emotion as well as longer-term emotional states assessment in dogs. The review ends by identifying and addressing some methodological limitations and by pointing out further methodological research needs.

Pavlovian Conditioning of Immunological and Neuroendocrine Functions

The phenomenon of behaviorally conditioned immunological and neuroendocrine functions has been investigated for the past 100 yr. The observation that associative learning processes can modify peripheral immune functions was first reported and investigated by Ivan Petrovic Pavlov and his co-workers. Their work later fell into oblivion, also because so little was known about the immune system’s function and even less about the underlying mechanisms of how learning, a central nervous system activity, could affect peripheral immune responses. With the employment of a taste-avoidance paradigm in rats, this phenomenon was rediscovered 45 yr ago as one of the most fascinating examples of the reciprocal functional interaction between behavior, the brain, and peripheral immune functions, and it established psychoneuroimmunology as a new research field. Relying on growing knowledge about efferent and afferent communication pathways between the brain, neuroendocrine system, primary and secondary immune organs, and immunocompetent cells, experimental animal studies demonstrate that cellular and humoral immune and neuroendocrine functions can be modulated via associative learning protocols. These (from the classical perspective) learned immune responses are clinically relevant, since they affect the development and progression of immune-related diseases and, more importantly, are also inducible in humans. The increased knowledge about the neuropsychological machinery steering learning and memory processes together with recent insight into the mechanisms mediating placebo responses provide fascinating perspectives to exploit these learned immune and neuroendocrine responses as supportive therapies, the aim being to reduce the amount of medication required, diminishing unwanted drug side effects while maximizing the therapeutic effect for the patient’s benefit.

Eating behaviour and oxytocin in patients with childhood-onset craniopharyngioma and different grades of hypothalamic involvement

BACKGROUND

Patients with childhood-onset craniopharyngioma (CP) often suffer from tumour or treatment-related hypothalamic lesions (HL). These lesions may alter production of oxytocin, which plays a major role in the regulation of eating behaviour and body composition.

OBJECTIVE

In CP with different degrees of HL, we investigated associations between HL, eating behaviour/eating attitudes, and oxytocin saliva concentrations (OSC).

METHODS

In a cross-sectional case-control study on 34 CP and 73 healthy controls, OSC were measured before, and 60 minutes after breakfast by immunoassay. Eating behaviour, attitudes, and habits were assessed by standardized questionnaires.

RESULTS

CP with anterior + posterior HL presented with more adverse eating behaviours/symptoms of eating disorders than CP without HL, CP with anterior HL, and controls. Eating behaviour in CP with anterior HL was similar to controls, except for their tendency towards high dietary restraints. Decreases in postprandial compared with fasting OSC were associated with adverse eating behaviour in CP and controls and with higher BMI in CP.

CONCLUSIONS

CP with anterior HL and CP with anterior + posterior HL present with distinct patterns of eating behaviour. Reduced postprandial compared with fasting OSC is associated with weight problems in CP and with adverse eating behaviour and symptoms of eating disorders in both CP and controls.

Endogenous Oxytocin Levels in Relation to Food Intake, Menstrual Phase, and Age in Females

CONTEXT

Oxytocin regulates a range of physiological processes including eating behavior and oxytocin administration reduces caloric intake in males. There are few data on oxytocin and eating behavior in healthy females or on the response of endogenous oxytocin to food intake and its relationship to appetite in humans.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the postprandial pattern of oxytocin levels, the relationship between oxytocin and appetite, and the impact of menstrual cycle phase and age on oxytocin levels in females.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

Clinical research center.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-five healthy females (age 10 to 45 years).

INTERVENTIONS

A standardized mixed meal was administered.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Blood sampling for oxytocin occurred at fasting and at 30, 60, and 120 minutes postmeal. Appetite was assessed using Visual Analogue Scales pre- and postmeal.

RESULTS

Mean fasting oxytocin levels were 1011.2 ± 52.3 pg/mL (SEM) and decreased at 30 and 60 minutes postmeal (P = 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Mean oxytocin levels decreased19.6% ± 3.0% from baseline to nadir. Oxytocin area under the curve was lower in the early to midfollicular menstrual cycle phase (P = 0.0003) and higher in younger females (P = 0.002). The percent change in oxytocin (baseline to nadir) was associated with postprandial hunger (rs = -0.291, P = 0.03) and fullness (rs = 0.345, P = 0.009). These relations remained significant after controlling for calories consumed, menstrual cycle status, and age (P = 0.023 and P = 0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral oxytocin levels in females decrease after a mixed meal and are associated with appetite independent of menstrual phase, age, and caloric intake, suggesting that endogenous oxytocin levels may play a role in perceived hunger and satiety.

Selfish Pups: Weaning Conflict and Milk Theft in Free-Ranging Dogs

Parent-offspring conflict theory predicts the emergence of weaning conflict between a mother and her offspring arising from skewed relatedness benefits. Empirical observations of weaning conflict have not been carried out in canids. In a field-based study on free-ranging dogs we observed that nursing/suckling bout durations decrease, proportion of mother-initiated nursing bouts decrease and mother-initiated nursing/suckling terminations increase with pup age. We identified the 7^th - 13^th week period of pup age as the zone of conflict between the mother and her pups, beyond which suckling solicitations cease, and before which suckling refusals are few. We also report for the first time milk theft by pups who take advantage of the presence of multiple lactating females, due to the promiscuous mating system of the dogs. This behaviour, though apparently disadvantageous for the mothers, is perhaps adaptive for the dogs in the face of high mortality and competition for resources.

Role of oxytocin in improving the welfare of farm animals - A review

Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the welfare of farm animals, which have been evaluated using behavioral and physiological measures. However, so far, the measures have almost always been used to estimate poor welfare. In this review, firstly we focus on how oxytocin (OT) relates to positive social behavior, pleasure, and stress tolerance, and second on which management factors stimulate OT release. OT induces maternal and affiliative behaviors and has an anti-stress effect. Further, OT is produced during enjoyable events, and has positive feedback on its own release as well. Therefore, to some extent, the relationship of OT to positive normal behavior was mutually beneficial—heightened OT concentration owing to comfortable rearing conditions induces positive social behavior, which in turn may increase OT concentration. Hence, studies on animal welfare should pay more attention to increasing comfort and the stress tolerance, rather than only focusing on when stress occurs in farm animals.

Hindbrain oxytocin receptors contribute to the effects of circulating oxytocin on food intake in male rats

Oxytocin (OT)-elicited hypophagia has been linked to neural activity in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Because plasma OT levels increase after a meal, we hypothesized that circulating OT acts at both peripheral and hindbrain OT receptors (OTRs) to limit food intake. To initially determine whether circulating OT inhibits food intake by acting at hindbrain OTRs, we pretreated rats with an OTR antagonist administered into the fourth ventricle (4V) followed by either central or systemic OT administration. Administration of the OTR antagonist into the 4V blocked anorexia induced by either 4V or i.p. injection of OT. However, blockade of peripheral OTRs also weakened the anorectic response to ip OT. Our data suggest a predominant role for hindbrain OTRs in the hypophagic response to peripheral OT administration. To elucidate central mechanisms of OT hypophagia, we tested whether OT activates NTS catecholaminergic neurons. OT (ip) increased the number of NTS cells expressing c-Fos, of which 10%-15% were catecholaminergic. Furthermore, electrophysiological studies in mice revealed that OT stimulated 47% (8 of 17) of NTS catecholamine neurons through a presynaptic mechanism. However, OT-elicited hypophagia did not appear to require activation of α1-adrenoceptors, and blockade of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors similarly did not attenuate anorexia induced by OT. These findings demonstrate that OT elicits satiety through both central and peripheral OTRs and that although catecholamine neurons are a downstream target of OT signaling in the NTS, the hypophagic effect is mediated independently of α1-adrenoceptor signaling.

Oxytocin promotes social bonding in dogs

Recent evidence suggests that enduring social bonds have fitness benefits. However, very little is known about the neural circuitry and neurochemistry underlying the formation and maintenance of stable social bonds outside reproductive contexts. Oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide synthetized by the hypothalamus in mammals, regulates many complex forms of social behavior and cognition in both human and nonhuman animals. Animal research, however, has concentrated on monogamous mammals, and it remains unknown whether OT also modulates social bonds in nonreproductive contexts. In this study we provide behavioral evidence that exogenous OT promotes positive social behaviors in the domestic dog toward not only conspecifics but also human partners. Specifically, when sprayed with OT, dogs showed higher social orientation and affiliation toward their owners and higher affiliation and approach behaviors toward dog partners than when sprayed with placebo. Additionally, the exchange of socio-positive behaviors with dog partners triggered the release of endogenous OT, highlighting the involvement of OT in the development of social relationships in the domestic dog. These data provide new insight into the mechanisms that facilitate the maintenance of close social bonds beyond immediate reproductive interest or genetic ties and complement a growing body of evidence that identifies OT as one of the neurochemical foundations of sociality in mammalian species.

Endogenous peripheral oxytocin measures can give insight into the dynamics of social relationships: a review

The neuropeptide, oxytocin, receives increasing attention due to its role in stress regulation and promoting affiliative social behavior. Research across mammals points to a complex pattern whereby social context and individual differences moderate the central release of oxytocin as well as moderate the effects that exogenous administration of oxytocin has on social behavior. In addition, it is becoming evident that measuring endogenous peripheral oxytocin levels is an informative tool. This is particularly so when oxytocin can be measured from non-invasively collected samples, such as in urine. Although it is still debated as to whether peripheral measures of oxytocin relate to central measures of oxytocin, anatomical and functional evidence indicate a link between the two. We argue that non-invasive measures of peripheral oxytocin hold several research and potential therapeutic advantages. Principally, study subjects can be sampled repeatedly in different social contexts where social history between interaction partners can be taken into account. Several hormones can be measured simultaneously allowing examination of the influence of oxytocin interactions with other hormones on motivational states. Valence of relationships as well as changes in relationship quality over time can be measured through endocrine responses. Also, the approach of identifying natural social contexts that are associated with endogenous oxytocin release offers the potential of behavioral therapy as an addition or alternative to chemical therapy in the field of mental health.

Nonsocial functions of hypothalamic oxytocin

Oxytocin (OXT) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide composed of nine amino acids. The functions of OXT cover a variety of social and nonsocial activity/behaviors. Therapeutic effects of OXT on aberrant social behaviors are attracting more attention, such as social memory, attachment, sexual behavior, maternal behavior, aggression, pair bonding, and trust. The nonsocial behaviors/functions of brain OXT have also received renewed attention, which covers brain development, reproduction, sex, endocrine, immune regulation, learning and memory, pain perception, energy balance, and almost all the functions of peripheral organ systems. Coordinating with brain OXT, locally produced OXT also involves the central and peripheral actions of OXT. Disorders in OXT secretion and functions can cause a series of aberrant social behaviors, such as depression, autism, and schizophrenia as well as disturbance of nonsocial behaviors/functions, such as anorexia, obesity, lactation failure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and carcinogenesis. As more and more OXT functions are identified, it is essential to provide a general view of OXT functions in order to explore the therapeutic potentials of OXT. In this review, we will focus on roles of hypothalamic OXT on central and peripheral nonsocial functions.

Plasma oxytocin concentrations during late pregnancy and parturition in the dog

While oxytocin is widely used in the treatment of dystocia in dogs, there is little information about its secretion before and during normal unassisted whelping. We therefore measured plasma oxytocin concentrations during late pregnancy and the expulsive stage of parturition. Blood samples were collected from eight dogs at 3-min intervals during a 42-min period between the 2nd and 14th day before whelping and during parturition after the birth of 1-3 pups. The litters consisted of 5-15 pups and the progression of the expulsive stage was linear and nearly parallel in the eight bitches. The overall mean (+/-S.D.) plasma oxytocin concentration during late pregnancy was 3.6+/-2.1pg/ml. Mean values in individual dogs ranged from 1.2 to 7.4 pg/ml, but the intra-animal variation was rather small. During the expulsive stage the overall mean (+/-S.D.) plasma oxytocin concentration was 12.9+/-13.9 pg/ml, with mean values in individual dogs ranging from 3.5 to 46 pg/ml. The mean area under the oxytocin curve for parturient dogs was significantly higher (P<0.05) than for pregnant dogs. During the expulsive stage, the peak plasma oxytocin level in individual dogs ranged between 10 and 117 pg/ml. In six of the eight dogs a pup was born during blood collection and in five of these animals the plasma oxytocin concentration increased temporarily during periods of abdominal straining and expulsion. However, straining efforts and expulsion were not consistently associated with a rise in the circulating oxytocin level. It is concluded that in the dog plasma oxytocin levels are higher and more variable during the expulsive stage of parturition than during late pregnancy. Interrelationships between the secretion pattern of oxytocin, the level of uterine contractility, and the progress of fetal expulsion in dogs need further exploration.

Cardiovascular effects of oxytocin

The well known effects of oxytocin on uterine contraction and milk ejection were found as early as the beginning of the 20th century. Since then many other effects of oxytocin have been found and among them a great number of effects on the cardiovascular system. Oxytocin is released from the neurohypophysis into the circulation and from parvocellular neurons within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) to many areas within the central nervous system (CNS). Indeed, oxytocin may modify blood pressure as well as heart rate both through effects within the CNS and through effects in other organs, such as the heart, blood vessels and kidney. Oxytocin may also cause cardiovascular effects by affecting other mediators, such as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), nitric oxide (NO) and alpha 2-adrenoreceptors.

Oxytocin within auditory nuclei: a neuromodulatory function in sensory processing?

Oxytocin (OT) plays an important role in social bonding, ultrasonic vocalizations and other sexual behaviors in mammalian species. Although its presence within neuroendocrine regions in the forebrain is well established, its association with sensory nuclei remains unclear. We report here the presence of oxytocin immunoreactive neurons within several nuclei in the auditory brain stem of the mustached bat, Pteronotus parnellii. Immunocytochemical procedures revealed OT-immunoreactive perikarya and/or fiber terminals in restricted areas of the inferior colliculus (IC), superior olivary complex (SOC), including the medial and ventral nuclei of the trapezoid body, and in the cochlear nucleus. Perikarya were labeled predominantly in the IC and SOC and both perikarya and fiber terminals were labeled extensively in the cochlear nucleus.

Oxytocin facilitates behavioural, metabolic and physiological adaptations during lactation

The aim of this article is to propose that oxytocin not only stimulates milk let down, but also adapts behaviour and physiology to facilitate lactation in mammals including dairy cattle. Circulating oxytocin as well as neurogenic oxytocin participates in these regulatory processes. In short, oxytocin stimulates maternal interaction and attachment between mother and young. It also participates in the metabolic prerequisites for milk production by e.g. stimulating glucagon release and thereby, mobilisation of glucose. Digestive and anabolic aspects of metabolism are also stimulated, e.g. by increased vagal nerve activity. Adaptations consistent with an antistress like pattern are also induced. Cortisol levels are decreased as well as blood pressure, and behaviours characterised by calm, reduced levels of anxiety and more social activity are promoted. These effects seem to be present in monogastric animals as well as in ruminants. The expression of various aspects of these adaptations vary according to the special needs and living environmental circumstances of different species. The mechanisms behind the effect spectrum of oxytocin are being explored in other experimental models. A second aim of this paper is to suggest that efficiency of lactation can be promoted by facilitating oxytocin release in connection with milking by enhancing the amount of sensory stimulation.

Plasma oxytocin and cortisol concentrations in dairy cows in relation to feeding duration and rumen fill

The aim of this study was to investigate if the release of oxytocin and cortisol were different depending on levels of oral manipulation with feed or rumen fill in dairy cows. Blood samples and behavior of 12 rumen-fistulated cows were analyzed in 2 consecutive years during morning and afternoon periods when the cows were subjected to either (A) long duration of oral manipulation of feed with low rumen fill or (B) short duration of oral manipulation of feed but with filled rumen. The response areas under the curve for oxytocin in both years were larger in A than in B in the afternoons. There were peaks in oxytocin release at milking in the afternoon in both treatments. In B, the oxytocin concentration was higher after than before feeding, higher in B than in A after the non-oral rumen filling, and higher in B after than before the non-oral rumen filling in Year 1. The level of cortisol was higher in B than in A in the morning, lower in both treatments before than after milking in the afternoon, and there was a tendency for the cortisol level to be higher in A than in B after oral feeding. The B cows spent a shorter time eating and the A cows spent a shorter time ruminating. This study indicates that a long duration of oral manipulation of feed in cows, may, per se be linked to higher oxytocin but lower cortisol levels, compared with shorter oral feeding time and filled rumen.

Plasma somatostatin and cholecystokinin levels in response to feeding in preterm infants

BACKGROUND

The functions of the gut are modulated by the autonomic nervous system and gut peptides, such as somatostatin and cholecystokinin, which have opposite functions. This study reports plasma somatostatin and cholecystokinin levels in response to feeding in preterm infants.

METHODS

In 76 infants--gestational age 23 to 36 weeks, birth weight 460 to 2867 g--blood samples were taken on day 1 before the first meal in life, and 30 minutes after the end of the meal. Samples were again taken on days 3 and 4. The infants were fed human milk by nasogastric tube, by breast, or by bottle. In 10 additional infants, (gestational age 27-36 weeks) who were studied at a median postnatal age of 15 days, the response of the peptides to breast-feeding was compared with that of tube-feeding. Plasma somatostatin and cholecystokinin were analyzed by specific radioimmunoassays.

RESULTS

On day 1, the median plasma somatostatin level increased after feeding in small-for-gestational-age infants but not in appropriate-for-gestational-age infants. On days 3 and 4, the somatostatin level decreased in infants with a gestational age of 32 weeks or more. On day 1, plasma cholecystokinin levels increased in infants with a gestational age of 32 weeks or more: The response was more pronounced in small-for-gestational-age infants. On days 3 and 4, plasma cholecystokinin levels increased only in breast-feeding infants. In the 10 infants fed by breast and by tube, plasma cholecystokinin levels increased after breast-feeding and tended to increase after tube-feeding. The plasma somatostatin levels were unaffected after feeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma somatostatin and cholecystokinin increased after feeding in small-for-gestational-age infants on day 1. On days 3 and 4, the responses to feeding seemed to be dependent on the infant's gestational age. Breast-feeding enhanced the release of cholecystokinin but not that of somatostatin.

Effects of oxytocin, arginine-vasopressin and lysine-vasopressin on insulin and glucagon secretion in sheep

The effects of the posterior-pituitary peptides oxytocin (OT), arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and lysine-vasopressin (LVP) on insulin and glucagon secretion were examined in adult sheep. Each peptide was injected intravenously at doses from 1 to 3000 pmol kg-1. All three peptides increased plasma insulin and glucagon concentrations, but their dose-response relationships revealed differences between them. The maximal insulin responses induced by OT and AVP were very similar, but the threshold and maximal doses of AVP for increasing plasma insulin were higher than those of OT. OT and AVP had the same activity for stimulating glucagon secretion in respect of the threshold and maximal doses and the maximal hormone response. LVP also increased plasma insulin and glucagon concentrations, but it had the weakest activity for stimulating both hormones. These results suggest that in sheep posterior-pituitary peptide may play a role in regulating nutrient metabolism by influencing pancreatic hormone secretion.

Patterns of release of oxytocin, prolactin, insulin and LH in lactating sows, studied using continuous blood collection technique

To describe the patterns of release of oxytocin, prolactin, insulin and LH in relation to suckling and to investigate relationships between them, blood was collected continuously from four sows at a rate of 1 ml per min for 12 h (0900-2100 h) on day 10 (D10) and day 20 (D20) of lactation. The 12-h period was divided into four smaller periods: P1 (0900-1200 h), P2 (1200-1500 h), P3 (1500-1800 h) and P4 (1800-2100 h). The number of nursings occurring during a 12-h period tended to decrease between D10 (17.3 +/- 0.3) and D20 (16.0 +/- 0.3). About 40-50% of all sucklings induced a significant rise in plasma oxytocin, while prolactin gradually increased following each suckling. Decrease in the levels of oxytocin (14.1 +/- 0.4 vs 7.1 +/- 0.4 pmol/l, P < 0.001), prolactin (12.9 +/- 0.3 vs 7.9 +/- 0.1 micrograms/l, P < 0.001) and insulin (24.8 +/- 1.7 vs 14.4 +/- 1.7 mU/l, P < 0.001) were observed between D10 and D20. Average and basal levels of LH and the number of LH pulses increased (P < 0.01) between D10 and D20. A negative correlation between number of sucklings and number of LH pulses was demonstrated on D20 (r = -0.59, P = 0.07). There was a positive correlation between levels of LH and oxytocin on D10 (r = 0.54, P = 0.001) and between prolactin and insulin levels on D20 (r = 0.34, P = 0.05).

Plasma oxytocin, prolactin, insulin and LH after 24 h of fasting and after refeeding in lactating sows

The effects of 24 h of fasting and refeeding on the release of oxytocin, prolactin, insulin and LH in three lactating sows were investigated. The sows were starved, but supplied with water ad libitum, from 09.00 h on day 27 of lactation until 15.00 h on day 28 of lactation, when they were refed. Blood samples were collected continuously, using an automatic collection system, at a rate of 1 ml min-1 from 09.00 to 21.00 h on day 28 (P1 = 6 h period after the 24 h fast, P2 = 6 h period after refeeding). For both P1 and P2 the mean number of nursings was 7.0 +/- 1.0. Plasma insulin and glucose decreased to very low levels during fasting and increased (P < 0.001) after refeeding (insulin, 2.5 +/- 0.7 vs. 28.9 +/- 0.7 mU l-1; glucose, 2.6 +/- 0.3 vs. 6.4 +/- 0.3 mmol l-1). Following fasting, levels of prolactin were low (2.8 +/- 0.1 micrograms l-1), and sucking did not induce significant release of prolactin. However, prolactin increased rapidly after refeeding (5.4 +/- 0.1 micrograms l-1, P < 0.001). Neither the 24 h fast nor refeeding had a marked effect on basal levels of oxytocin, the percentage of sucklings with an oxytocin peak or the size of oxytocin peak. LH release (average and basal levels and number of pulses/6 h) during fasting was similar to that measured after refeeding. Plasma CCK increased significantly after feeding. The results indicate that the release of prolactin is also regulated by feed intake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Plasma levels of oxytocin after food deprivation and hypoglycaemia, and effects of 1-deamino-2-D-Tyr-(OEt)-4-Thr-8-Orn-oxytocin on blood glucose in rats

Oxytocin has been shown to influence insulin, glucagon and blood glucose levels in various experimental situations. The present study was performed in order to obtain support for a possible interaction of glucose and oxytocin under physiological conditions. We therefore studied whether or not short-term food deprivation (24 hours) affects basal oxytocin levels in male, female and lactating rats, since this is a situation when glucose is mobilized to prevent hypoglycaemia. Secondly, we studied whether oxytocin levels rise in a situation when blood glucose levels fall, i.e. following i.p. injection of insulin (20 U kg-1). In order to explore the role of oxytocin more directly, we investigated whether i.p. injection of the oxytocin antagonist 1-deamino-2-D-Tyr-(OEt)-4-Thr-8-Orn-oxytocin affects blood glucose levels. Plasma levels of oxytocin, insulin and glucagon were measured with radioimmunoassay in samples obtained after decapitation. We found that oxytocin levels were significantly increased following short-term food deprivation in lactating rats. We also found that insulin-induced hypoglycaemia could elevate plasma levels of oxytocin in female and male rats. In addition, administration of an oxytocin antagonist cause a small, but significant decrease in blood glucose levels after 30 min. These data imply that oxytocin may be one of several factors that take part in the control of blood glucose regulation.

Effects of weaning on plasma levels of prolactin, oxytocin, insulin, glucagon, glucose, gastrin and somatostatin in sows

The effect of total weaning (all piglets were weaned at 35 days of lactation) and fractionated weaning (the heavier half of the litter was weaned on day 33 of lactation and the remainder 2 days later) on plasma levels of prolactin, oxytocin, insulin, glucagon, glucose, gastrin and somatostatin in primiparous sows was studied. Twelve crossbred sows were grouped into six pairs according to farrowing data and litter size. The litter of one sow in each pair was weaned in two stages (treatment), and the other was conventionally weaned (control). Blood samples were collected via a permanent jugular vein catheter every 3 hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from day 31 of lactation until the third day of final weaning. In response to total weaning (studied in the six control sows), plasma prolactin, glucagon and gastrin decreased significantly, whereas plasma insulin and somatostatin significantly increased. Basal concentrations of plasma oxytocin and glucose remained unchanged after weaning. Fractionated weaning did not result in any significant differences in the hormonal and glucose levels as compared with the total weaning. The possible role of prolactin in modulating insulin, glucagon and glucose concentrations as well as the possibility that oxytocin affects gastrin and somatostatin levels following weaning are discussed.

Interaction between gastrin-17 and oxytocin on plasma levels of insulin, glucagon and glucose in conscious dogs

The aim of the present study was to investigate how infusion of gastrin-17 and oxytocin affects plasma levels of insulin, glucagon and glucose in order to elucidate how the two hormones contribute to metabolic changes seen in situations where they are released, e.g. feeding and suckling during lactation. Thus, gastrin-17 (0.5 and 2.0 nmol kg-1 h-1) and oxytocin (0.11 and 1.1 nmol kg-1 h-1) were infused separately or simultaneously into conscious dogs. Both gastrin-17 and oxytocin induced significant, dose-dependent increases in insulin levels. An additive effect on insulin levels was obtained when gastrin-17 and oxytocin were infused simultaneously. Glucagon levels were not affected by gastrin-17 whereas infusion of 1.1 nmol kg-1 h-1 of oxytocin was followed by a significant increase. In contrast to a slight transient increase in the glucose level induced by oxytocin, infusion of gastrin-17 caused a sustained period of hypoglycaemia. Thus, infusion of gastrin-17 and oxytocin, respectively, gave rise to different ratios between circulating concentrations of insulin and glucagon reflected in different effects on the glucose level. The gastrin-induced hypoglycaemia could reflect that gastrin, via a release of insulin, promotes storing of glucose, e.g. in connection with feeding. That infusion of oxytocin caused a parallel increase in insulin and glucagon levels together with a slight increase in the glucose level could imply that oxytocin favours mobilization of glucose, e.g. during lactation.

Increased plasma levels of oxytocin in response to afferent electrical stimulation of the sciatic and vagal nerves and in response to touch and pinch in anaesthetized rats

This study was performed in order to investigate whether activation of sensory fibres within the sciatic and vagal nerves might influence the release of oxytocin. In anaesthetized rats the sciatic and vagal nerves were stimulated electrically in an afferent direction with a variety of stimuli. Rats were also stroked on their backs or nociception was inflicted by pinching a foot. Plasma oxytocin levels were measured with a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay in samples drawn from the carotid artery. Afferent electrical stimulations of both sciatic and vagal nerves at 5 V, 0.2-2 ms and 3-10 Hz caused immediate significant elevations of oxytocin levels. Thus, basal levels increased by 30-184%. Furthermore, in response to touch and nociceptive stimuli, oxytocin levels rose by 181% and 206%, respectively. These data indicate that oxytocin can be released by stimulation of peripheral nerves originating in the skin and/or muscle and in the gastrointestinal tract and thus these organs may be involved in the control of oxytocin secretion.

Suckling increases insulin and glucagon levels in peripheral venous blood of lactating dogs

The aim of the present investigation was to study changes in insulin, glucagon and plasma glucose levels in response to suckling in lactating dogs. Blood samples were drawn from a peripheral vein during suckling in weeks 1 and 3 of lactation in 10 lactating beagles. Insulin- and glucagon-like immunoreactivity (below referred to as insulin and glucagon) were determined by radio-immunoassay, and plasma glucose levels by the glucose oxidase method. Insulin and glucagon levels rose following onset of suckling. However, only the rises recorded in week 3 of lactation were statistically significant. Plasma glucose levels were not affected. The mechanism by which suckling influences the levels of insulin and glucagon is not known. However, the release of both hormones is under vagal control and it is possible that touching of the teats reflexly elicits a vagally mediated release of these hormones. Alternatively, since oxytocin stimulates the secretion of insulin and glucagon, the effects might be secondary to the oxytocin released by suckling. The physiological function of the suckling-related release of insulin may be to stimulate milk production. Furthermore, since glucagon is also released, each suckling period may be accompanied by a transfer of glucose to the mammary glands from other maternal stores.

L-vasopressin inhibits oxytocin-induced increases of plasma levels of insulin conscious dogs

Oxytocin is known to increase plasma levels of insulin, glucagon and glucose in dogs. Plasma levels of vasopressin rise during stressful conditions. Since vasopressin counteracts several oxytocin-induced effects, it was decided to study how vasopressin influences the oxytocin-induced elevation of plasma levels of insulin, glucagon and glucose. Therefore oxytocin at 0.11 (which gives rise to physiological plasma concentrations) was infused i.v. for 10 min into fasted, conscious dogs either alone or in combination with 0.033 or 0.17 nmol kg-1 h-1 of L-vasopressin. Accordingly, 1.1 nmol kg-1 h-1 of oxytocin was infused alone or in combination with 0.67 or 1.7 nmol kg-1 h-1 of L-vasopressin. Repeated blood samples were drawn during and after the infusions and insulin and glucagon levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. Plasma levels of insulin increased three- and six-fold in response to 0.11 and 1.1 nmol kg-1 h-1 of oxytocin, respectively, and the elevations were inhibited by L-vasopressin. Slight (1.5-fold) increases in plasma levels of glucagon were observed following 0.11 and 1.1 nmol kg-1 h-1 of oxytocin, although the effect was significant only after the latter dose. Concomitant infusion with L-vasopressin did not markedly influence the effect caused by oxytocin. Small, insignificant increases in blood glucose levels were induced by both doses of oxytocin. These effects were not affected by concomitant infusions of L-vasopressin. The insulin levels rose before glucose levels suggesting that oxytocin stimulates the release of insulin without a previous rise in glucose levels. In conclusion, it has been shown that vasopressin, in amounts which give rise to physiological plasma concentrations, inhibits oxytocin-induced effects on insulin levels, and that oxytocin stimulates the release of insulin via a mechanism which is independent of elevations in blood glucose levels.

Oxytocin secretion in response to cholecystokinin and food: differentiation of nausea from satiety

Administration of cholecystokinin (CCK) to rats caused a dose-dependent increase in plasma levels of the neurohypophyseal hormone oxytocin (OT). The OT secretion was comparable to that found in response to nausea-producing chemical agents that cause learned taste aversions. The effect of CCK on OT secretion was blunted after gastric vagotomy, as was the inhibition of food intake induced by CCK. Food ingestion also led to elevated plasma OT in rats, but CCK and aversive agents caused even greater OT stimulation. Thus, after administration of large doses of CCK, vagally mediated activation of central nausea pathways seems to be predominantly responsible for the subsequent decrease in food intake. Despite their dissimilar affective states, both nausea and satiety may activate a common hypothalamic oxytocinergic pathway that controls the inhibition of ingestion.

Oxytocin infusions increase plasma levels of insulin and VIP but not of gastrin in conscious dogs

In the present study, a radioimmunoassay for oxytocin determinations is presented. In addition, we investigated whether the elevation of insulin, VIP and gastrin levels demonstrated to occur in response to suckling in lactating dogs may be induced by released oxytocin. Therefore, oxytocin was infused i.v. into conscious dogs in amounts calculated to give rise to plasma levels observed during physiological circumstances. Plasma levels of oxytocin, insulin, VIP (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide) and gastrin were measured by radioimmunoassay. When oxytocin was infused at a rate of 0.22 and 2.2 nmol kg-1 h-1, plasma oxytocin levels rose to 176 +/- 25 fmol ml-1 and to 1490 +/- 400 fmol ml-1, respectively, 10 min after the infusions were started. Plasma insulin levels rose in response to oxytocin administered at a rate of 0.22 and 2.2 nmol kg-1 h-1. A peak was recorded within 5 min of oxytocin infusion, that is, before maximal oxytocin levels were recorded, and basal levels were reached within about 20 min. The VIP levels rose slightly following infusion of oxytocin at 0.22 nmol kg-1 h-1, but a clear-cut response that lasted for 60 min was observed following infusion of oxytocin at the highest dose. In contrast, gastrin levels were not influenced by the oxytocin infusions. Suckling in dogs is followed by rapidly occurring short-lasting elevations of oxytocin levels in plasma which amount to 50-100 fmol ml-1. Since insulin and VIP were released by oxytocin when administered in amounts that give rise to plasma levels close to those levels, it is suggested that the secretion of insulin and VIP that occurs in response to suckling in lactating dogs may in part be caused by previously released oxytocin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)