The first effects of oxytocin have been its ability to accelerate the birth in mammals. Oxytocin effect causes the contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus and speeds up the work. This hormone also helps the uterus to retract after the expulsion, so he finds its initial position.
Oxytocin into the blood system is indispensable to the placenta ejection reflex. However, the phase immediately following the birth of the human infant corresponds to mother a never equaled peak of natural oxytocin, on condition that it did not receive artificial oxytocin (Syntocinon), that she does not have cold, it is not subject to an intense light, and that his privacy be respected. Otherwise, it is often necessary to administer artificial oxytocin (or misoprostol) to facilitate ejection of the placenta and prevent a hemorrhage of the issue, leading cause of maternal mortality in France.
Mode of action:
oxytocin binds to the receptors of the muscle cells of the uterus and mammary glands. Such a G-protein-coupled receptors activate Phospholipase C leading to the increase in intracellular calcium concentration. The released Ca2 + ions promote interactions between proteins actin and myosin, at the base of the muscle contraction.
