Bel Marra Health Reports on Recent Research Revealing the Oxytocin Hormone Linked to Brain and Mental Health
The oxytocin hormone - also known as the "love hormone" for its role in sexuality, reproduction and social bonding - may also play a key role in the brain’s ability to perform this important filtering function.
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RSSToronto, ON (PRWEB) August 17, 2013
Bel Marra Health, who offers high-quality, specially formulated vitamins and nutritional supplements, reports on a recent study revealing that the oxytocin hormone may strengthen desired brain signals, specifically for autism.
As Bel Marra Health reports in its article, (http://www.belmarrahealth.com/brain-function/the-love-hormone-could-boost-mental-health-and-function/) the oxytocin hormone - also known as the "love hormone" for its role in sexuality, reproduction and social bonding - may also play a key role in the brain’s ability to perform this important filtering function. A recent study published in Nature explains how this hormone acts to reduce unwanted background noise while it strengthens desired signals within the brain. Not only can this prove to sharpen our daily focus and concentration levels, but these findings are also relevant to individuals living with mental health conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder.
Oxytocin is a hormone found in humans that acts primarily on the brain as a neuromodulator, involved in the interactions between various neurotransmitters and neurons in the nervous system. Oxytocin is well-known for the role that it plays in reproduction, specifically during and after childbirth. However, recent studies have looked at behaviors that this particular hormone may be involved with, including: orgasm, social recognition, pair bonding, anxiety, and maternal behaviors. This hormone also plays an important role for several other functions in the body.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) includes a range of complex neuro-developmental disorders which are characterized by social impairments, communication problems, as well as restricted, repetitive and stereotypical behavior patterns, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Individuals living with ASD often have difficulty recognizing the emotions of those around them and are easily distracted by their surroundings.
Previous research has found the individuals living with ASD have lower levels of oxytocin. Additionally, it has been found that a mutation in the oxytocin receptor gene makes an individual prone to autism. Furthermore, brain screening of individuals with ASD have shown impairments in the transmission of simple, sensory signals.
The basis of the current study used results of research that was conducted by Geneva researchers 30 years ago. The Geneva researchers found that oxytocin acts on the hippocampus, which is involved in memory and cognition. Previous research has also found that inhibitory interneurons release GABA, which is a chemical that dampens the activity of surrounding excitatory nerve cells. From the findings of previous research, the researchers of the current study predicted that oxytocin would interfere with brain circuits, hindering both background noise and desired noise. However, they found that oxytocin actually increased the reliability of stimulated impulses, which was an unexpected mental health finding but a positive one.
The finding on rodent models showed that oxytocin simultaneously allows the inhibitory cells to fire and increases signaling to excitatory nerve cells. The researchers found that continually activating the inhibitory cells caused the GABA-releasing synapses to fatigue and slow down. This allowed background noise to be dampened while wanted signals were strengthened.
The findings from this study show that the hormone oxytocin provides two desired responses in the brain. Additional research is needed to determine the connection between a lack of oxytocin and ASD. However, the findings from this study suggest that there may be a positive therapeutic effect of oxytocin for mental health patients, such as those suffering with ASD.
(SOURCE: Scott F. Owen, et al. Oxytocin enhances hippocampal spike transmission by modulating fast-spiking interneurons. Nature, 2013; DOI: 10.1038/nature12330.)
Bel Marra Health is the maker of “The Smart Pill,” a high-quality nutritional supplement that helps enhance cognitive functioning by promoting clearer thinking, supporting concentration, improves memory, and supports healthy mood. All ingredients are backed with scientific evidence. Every product is tested for safety, quality, and purity at every stage of the manufacturing process. Furthermore, Bel Marra Health products are produced only in Health Canada approved facilities, going the extra mile to ensure that our health-conscious customers are getting top quality products. For more information on Bel Marra Health visit belmarrahealth.com or call 1-866-531-0466.