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ShareOxytocin is a mammalian hormone that also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain.
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In women, it is released mainly after distension of the cervix and vagina during labor, and after stimulation of the nipples, facilitating birth and breastfeeding, respectively.
Oxytocin is released during orgasm in both sexes.
In the brain, oxytocin is involved in social recognition and bonding, and might be involved in the formation of trust between people.
Virtually all vertebrates have an oxytocin-like nonapeptide hormone that supports reproductive functions and a vasopressin-like nonapeptide hormone involved in water regulation.
For more information about the topic Oxytocin, read the full article at Wikipedia.org, or see the following related articles:
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