Navigating Central Oxytocin Transport: Known Realms and Uncharted Territories

Complex mechanisms govern the transport and action of oxytocin (Oxt), a neuropeptide and hormone that mediates diverse physiologic processes. While Oxt exerts site-specific and rapid effects in the brain via axonal and somatodendritic release, volume transmission via CSF and the neurovascular interf...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Neuroscientist (Baltimore, Md.) p. 10738584241268754
Main Authors Parmaksiz, Deniz, Kim, Yongsoo
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 07.08.2024
Subjects
blood-brain barrier
neuroendocrinology
perivascular space
oxytocin
circumventricular organs
volume transmission
transport mechanism
somatodendritic release
axonal release
neurohypophyseal system
neurovasculature
cerebrospinal fluid
hypothalamus
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:Complex mechanisms govern the transport and action of oxytocin (Oxt), a neuropeptide and hormone that mediates diverse physiologic processes. While Oxt exerts site-specific and rapid effects in the brain via axonal and somatodendritic release, volume transmission via CSF and the neurovascular interface can act as an additional mechanism to distribute Oxt signals across distant brain regions on a slower timescale. This review focuses on modes of Oxt transport and action in the CNS, with particular emphasis on the roles of perivascular spaces, the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and circumventricular organs in coordinating the triadic interaction among circulating blood, CSF, and parenchyma. Perivascular spaces, critical conduits for CSF flow, play a pivotal role in Oxt diffusion and distribution within the CNS and reciprocally undergo Oxt-mediated structural and functional reconstruction. While the BBB modulates the movement of Oxt between systemic and cerebral circulation in a majority of brain regions, circumventricular organs without a functional BBB can allow for diffusion, monitoring, and feedback regulation of bloodborne peripheral signals such as Oxt. Recognition of these additional transport mechanisms provides enhanced insight into the systemic propagation and regulation of Oxt activity.
ISSN:1089-4098
DOI:10.1177/10738584241268754