Endocrine Abstracts

Oxytocin was discovered by Henry Dale in 1906 and synthesized in the early 50’s by Vincent du Vigneaud and coworkers. It is secreted by axonal terminals in the neurohypophysis emanating from the neurosecretory neurons of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. This hormone similarly to others is secreted in a pulsatile way and, classically, in relation to labor (uterine contractility), lactation and to the maternal behaviour. After the initial ident...