Synthetic Oxytocin

Quísstioning the widespread use of synthetic oxytocin

All human beings are "endowed with reason." This assumption is the basis of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as clearly expressed in its very first article. Obviously the authors of the declaration had not considered the particular case of the process of parturition, when there is no room for rational means of expression. One cannot interpret literally the irrational l...

Pituitary enzyme conversion of putative synthetic oxytocin precursor intermediates.

Neurosecretory granule lysate from bovine posterior pituitary was shown to contain both carboxypeptidase B and amidating activities. The former sequentially releases COOH-terminal basic residues from the oxytocin biosynthetic precursor fragment oxytocinyl-GKR (CYIQNCPLGKR) to form oxytocinyl-GK and then oxytocinyl-G. The amidating enzyme converts the resulting oxytocinyl-G into oxytocin (CYIQNC...

Oxytocin

Beyond labor: the role of natural and synthetic oxytocin in the transition to motherhood.

Emerging research raises questions that synthetic oxytocin during childbirth may alter the endogenous oxytocin system and influence maternal stress, mood, and behavior. Endogenous oxytocin is a key component in the transition to motherhood, affecting molecular pathways that buffer stress reactivity, support positive mood, and regulate healthy mothering behaviors (including lactation). Synthetic...

Intrapartum Administration of Synthetic Oxytocin and Downstream Effects on Breastfeeding: Elucidating Physiologic Pathways

The importance of breastfeeding as a public health priority has increased as new research reinforces the health benefits to both mother and nursling, even continuing years after weaning. However, many women do not nurse as long as they intend. Birth practices such as labor medications and the routine separation of mother and baby are two of the several intrapartum influences on breastfeeding ou...