Current Research on the Relationships between Oxytocin and the Immune System: An Updated Study

Naeem, Muhammad Yasir; Alp Arici, Elifsena Canan; Abbas, Shahid; Selamoglu, Zeliha

doi:10.22092/ari.2025.367957.3451

Current Research on the Relationships between Oxytocin and the Immune System: An Updated Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

¹ Department of Agronomy, Animals, Food, Natural Resources and the Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padua, Italy

² Batman Training and Research Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Batman, Turkey

³ Consultant Allergy & Immunology ALLERGY And ASTHMA CENTER Al Rehman Chambers,FazalEHaque Road Blue Area Islamabad,Pakistan

⁴ Nigde Omer Halisdemir University

10.22092/ari.2025.367957.3451

Abstract

A neuropeptide that has historically been linked to social bonding, childbirth, and breastfeeding; oxytocin has become a significant immune system regulator. Oxytocin also provides relaxation during pregnancy by lowering blood pressure. At the time of delivery, it increases uterine contractions, making childbirth easier. During the postpartum breastfeeding period, it helps milk flow by causing the milk ducts in the breasts to contract. Its function in controlling immune responses, affecting inflammation, and preserving immunological homeostasis has been emphasised by recent research. The complex connections between oxytocin and the immune system are examined in this study, with particular attention paid to how it interacts with immune cells, produces cytokines, and controls pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways. Numerous immune-related problems, including as autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and neurodegenerative ailments, are linked to dysregulation of oxytocin signalling, which can be caused by altered receptor function or reduced production. Furthermore, oxytocin's therapeutic potential in lowering inflammation and re-establishing immunological balance offers promising prospects for the treatment of immune dysfunction. The study highlights the need for clinical studies to assess oxytocin's therapeutic uses as well as more investigation into the molecular, genetic, and epigenetic pathways underpinning its immune-modulatory activities. Through the synthesis of current research findings and the identification of existing gaps, this work seeks to provide guidance for future research and therapeutic applications while also deepening our understanding of oxytocin's involvement in immune modulation. This study lays the groundwork for investigating oxytocin-based treatments to treat illnesses linked to the immune system and enhance general immunological health by deepening our understanding of the function of oxytocin in immune regulation.

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