Can oxytocin inhibit stress-induced hyperalgesia?

• Published in: Neuropeptides (Edinburgh) Vol. 79; p. 101996
• Main Authors: Li, Yue-Xin, An, Hong, Wen, Zhuo, Tao, Zhuo-Ying, Cao, Dong-Yuan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2020; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Analgesics; Central nervous system; Central nervous system (CNS); Fear; Hyperalgesia; Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; Hypothalamus; Intranasal OT; Oxytocin; Oxytocin (OT); Pain; Pain perception; Pituitary; Quality of life; Stress; Intranasal OT; Oxytocin (OT); Pain; Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; Central nervous system (CNS); Stress
• ISSN: 0143-4179; 1532-2785
• DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.101996

Stress-induced hyperalgesia is a problematic condition that lacks an effective therapeutic measure, and hence impairs health-related quality of life. The regulation of stress by oxytocin (OT) has overlapping effects on pain. OT can alleviate pain directly mainly at the spinal level and the peripheral tissues. Additionally, OT plays an analgesic role by dealing with stress and fear learning. When OT relieves stress by targeting the prefrontal brain regions and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the body's sensitivity to pain is attenuated. Meanwhile, OT facilitates fear learning and may, in turn, enhance the anticipatory actions to painful stimulation. The unique therapeutic value of OT in patients suffering from stress and stress-related hyperalgesia conditions is worth considering. We reviewed recent advances in animal and human studies involving the effects of OT on stress and pain, and discussed the possible targets of OT within the descending and ascending pathways in the central nervous system. This review provides an overview of the evidence on the role of OT in alleviating stress-induced hyperalgesia. •Oxytocin has integrative and overlapping effects on pain and stress.•Oxytocin has analgesic and anti-stress effects on the nervous systems.•Oxytocin's effects are associated with GABA, TRPV1 and V1A receptor.