Oxytocin increases nociceptive thresholds in a long-term perspective in female and male rats

Changes in Biochemical Markers of Pain Perception and Stress Response After Spinal Manipulation

“…In addition, Robinson et al 54 showed that oxytocin inhibits sensory glutamatergic transmission between afferent fibers and dorsal horn neurons. Along the same lines, Petersson et al 50 hypothesized that an increase of oxytocin might possibly result in a greater synthesis of endogenous opioids, because the antinociception observed after repeated injections of oxytocin was temporarily reversed by the opioid antagonist naloxone.…”

Oxytocin is expressed throughout the human gastrointestinal tract

“…In a recently completed double-blind placebo-controlled study, there was a tendency towards less abdominal pain and discomfort in patients suffering from functional bowel disorders after oxytocin administration [24]. The analgetic effect has been ascribed to central effects as it is exerted by intracerebroventricular injection, and by peripheral administration in 1,000-fold higher doses [25]. Oxytocin is assumed to activate secondary mechanisms, as oxytocin receptor antagonists are unable to reverse the effects, while the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone does [25].…”

Intrathecal Oxytocin Inhibits Visceromotor Reflex and Spinal Neuronal Responses to Noxious Distention of the Rat Urinary Bladder

“…While the present study used female rats, a number of other studies have demonstrated that OXY increases tail-flick latencies in male rats, 8,9 and this effect is similar to what was observed in female rats. 28 It is highly likely that OXY would produce antinociception to visceral stimuli in male rats as well. Although more rigorous neurotoxicity studies are required, the present paper indicates that the intrathecal delivery of OXY may be a potential therapeutic regimen appropriate for painful disorders of the urinary bladder in both male and female patients.…”