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The Hormone of Love
"The hormone best known for its
role in inducing labor may
influence our ability to bond
with others, according to
researchers at the University of
California, San Francisco.
In a preliminary study, the
hormone oxytocin was
shown to be associated with the
ability to maintain healthy
interpersonal relationships and
healthy psychological boundaries
with other people.
"This is one of the first looks
into the biological basis for
human attachment and bonding,"
said Rebecca Turner, PhD, UCSF
adjunct assistant professor of
psychiatry and lead author of
the study. "Our study indicates
that oxytocin may be mediating
emotional experiences in close
relationships."
The study builds upon previous
knowledge of the important role
oxytocin plays in the
reproductive life of mammals.
The hormone facilitates nest
building and pup retrieval in
rats, acceptance of offspring in
sheep, and the formation of
adult pair-bonds in prairie
voles.
In humans, oxytocin stimulates
milk ejection during lactation,
uterine contraction during
birth, and is released during
sexual orgasm in both men and
women.
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