Abstract

A positive correlation was observed between the midcycle elevation of estrogen (E) and the level of oxytocin– and estrogen-stimulated neurophysin (ESN), the protein carrier of oxytocin, in the plasma of five of six women. The time of the maximal level of E was associated with a level of oxytocin significantly greater than that in either the early follicular or late luteal phase (P < 0.025). Likewise, the level of ESN at midcycle was greater than the level of ESN in the early follicular or late luteal phase (P < 0.0.1). Other than states of lactation or pregnancy, this is the only described cyclic secretion of oxytocin in humans. Since oxytocin chronologically correlates with a rise in the level of E at midcycle, a role for oxytocin in ovulation may be considered.

This content is only available as a PDF.
You do not currently have access to this article.