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Review
. 2020 Sep 25:14:574499.
doi: 10.3389/fnins.2020.574499. eCollection 2020.

Oxytocin Receptor Signaling in Vascular Function and Stroke

Erin C McKay  1   2 , Scott E Counts  1   2   3   4   5
Affiliations
Review

Oxytocin Receptor Signaling in Vascular Function and Stroke

Erin C McKay et al. Front Neurosci. .

Abstract

The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) is a G protein-coupled receptor with a diverse repertoire of intracellular signaling pathways, which are activated in response to binding oxytocin (OXT) and a similar nonapeptide, vasopressin. This review summarizes the cell and molecular biology of the OXTR and its downstream signaling cascades, particularly focusing on the vasoactive functions of OXTR signaling in humans and animal models, as well as the clinical applications of OXTR targeting cerebrovascular accidents.

Keywords: cerebrovasculature; cognition; oxytocin; oxytocin receptor; stroke.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Model of the oxytocin receptor A. (A) linear view of the receptor. (B) The top of the receptor as it forms a binding pocket. (C) The bottom of the receptor as it forms a binding pocket. (D) Color coded key. The general location of specialized sites are highlighted by color with key provided. Based on chimera, point mutation, and structural analysis studies as cited in the text. Created in Blender 2.8.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Proposed intracellular signaling pathways for the oxytocin receptor for vascular and cerebral cells. The oxytocin receptor is a vasoactive influencer and promotes proliferation and migration for multiple cell types in the tightly connected vascular and nervous systems. Created in Blender 2.8.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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