Abstract
Oxytocin is a peptide hormone secreted into the blood from the posterior pituitary gland. Oxytocin's biosynthesis, receptors, and functions have been studied extensively, and in recent years, in addition to its typical roles in uterine contraction and ejaculation, its influence on social behaviors and anti-inflammatory effects have attracted attention. For oxytocin to influence social behaviors, oxytocin in the blood must cross the blood-brain barrier. The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) has been found to act as a transporter to transfer it into the brain. Elucidation of the molecular mechanism of oxytocin's impact on social behaviors of affection and trust formation has the potential to help address recent problems, i.e., child abandonment and maltreatment. Oxytocin can be a hormone that plays an important role in life events.
