Oxytocin is sometimes known as the cuddle hormone because of its
influence on maternal behavior and pair bonding. It is found all
over the brains and reproductive systems of both sexes. Oxytocin is
produced naturally in the hypothalamus in the brain. It hormone
that affects the brain as a result of its interactions with gonadal
steroids like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and
corticosterone. This hormone is key to pair bonding. Oxytocin is a
hormone that is released into the blood during many types of
touching. The physical effects of oxytocin include increased
sensitivity of nerve endings, stimulated muscle contractions,
increased heart rate plus an urge to touch and cuddle. The
emotional feelings it produces are associated with affection,
bonding, caring, love, peace, nurturing, security, and attachment.
Oxytocin is one of the two major hormones secreted from the
posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. he posterior pituitary
itself largely comprises endings of nerves whose cell bodies lie in
the brain in the hypothalamus. Oxytocin is a relatively small
peptide hormone, composed of only 9 amino acids. It is synthesized
in nerve cells in the hypothalamus in the form of a larger,
precursor molecule, which is transported down the nerve fibres
through the pituitary stalk to the posterior lobe. The active
hormone is cleaved from the precursor during this process.