Oxytocin and the Biochemistry of LOVE

Seeking to understand more deeply about the biological bases of LOVE, I found a scientific article that addressed this subject. Among many very interesting information on this topic, I highlight here the ones that most caught my attention and that I classify as relevant.

LOVE is deeply biological, that is, it is an epigenetic phenomenon (a form of alteration in genes that are not caused by changes in the DNA sequence): with the contribution of social behaviors, emotional bonding and long reciprocal relationships. Therefore, LOVE has a profound effect on our mental and physical state. A “broken heart” or a bad relationship can affect physiology, and can even precipitate death. LOVE is not just a feeling, it is a dynamic process. Social interactions between individuals trigger cognitive and physiological processes that influence emotional and mental status.

Although there is much evidence for the healing power of LOVE, it is only recently that Science has been interested in investigating its physiological bases. Many of the answers have emerged from knowledge about neurological and endocrinological mechanisms of social behavior and interpersonal interaction. Many groups of animals, from insects to humans, have been studied to investigate the social mechanisms of interaction. In humans, social mammals, there is a large parental investment in caring for the offspring and forming bonds with them. In addition, reciprocal and selective long-term relationships are observed in adult humans with several characteristics that correspond to what humans call “experiencing LOVE”. Of course, LOVE in humans is much more complex than simple feedback mechanisms by means of biochemical routes, but these routes exist and participate in this dynamic process that is LOVE

One element that repeatedly characterizes the biochemistry of LOVE is Oxytocin. In mammals superior to oxytocin it has a central role in reproduction, helping the newborns to leave during delivery, ejection of milk during breastfeeding and establishing a long-term and selective bond with the offspring. In humans, in particular, it is responsible for forming extremely strong and immediate bonds with newborns, as this guarantees their survival. Parents, grandparents and even adoptive parents are fond of children, and the LOVE hypothesis, based on oxytocin, would explain that the mere existence of a child causes the release of oxytocin in these adults, "forcing" them to love -over there.

Also, there is evidence that in response to acute stress experiences, oxytocin is released, possibly acting as a molecule that provides the feeling of security against stress, thus allowing you to overcome it. It is also oxytocin, which in situations of risk, ensures that parents will take care of their offspring, to stabilize the love relationships between them, and in times of need, seek help and receive support from others. In humans, it has been observed that intranasal injection of oxytocin facilitates social behavior, including eye contact ("eye to eye"), behavior that is characteristic of a "loving heart". s

Although recent studies have been based on investigating the role of oxytocin in parental care behaviors or social behavior in animals, oxytocin's strong role in the biochemistry of LOVE is recognized. However, oxytocin does not work alone, its actions depend on endogenous opioids and dopamine. Especially for social bonds, the interaction between oxytocin and vasopressin in animal model studies, support the hypothesis that this interaction allows the dynamic behavioral state necessary for LOVE. The genes that regulate the production of oxytocin and vasopressin are located on the same chromosome, coordinated synthesis and release of these molecules is allowed.

Oxytocin is also associated with “fearless immobility”, that is, the ability to enter a physiological state of relaxation and conditions that enable labor, breastfeeding and consensual sexual behavior. And in mothers, the increased production of oxytocin associated with childbirth and breastfeeding, helps to combat anxiety for parental care, and enables the expression of love for the offspring.

The behaviors and strong emotions triggered by LOVE can leave anyone vulnerable, such as the case of a broken heart. Individuals with strong emotional support in their relationships are more resilient in difficult situations than individuals who feel lonely and isolated. In fact, bodily injuries in tissues heal faster in animals with social interaction compared to those that are isolated.

Many studies have also demonstrated other, more varied health benefits associated with oxytocin, such as: i) protective and restorative role in the conversion of undifferentiated stem cells to cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells); ii) facilitation of neurogenesis (formation of new neurons) and tissue repair in adults, after a stressful situation; iii) anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties in atherosclerosis (accumulation of fat and calcium plaques in arteries) in in vitro experiments and iv) the heart cells release oxytocin as a natural protective and self-healing process.

Even though oxytocin is not the only molecule involved in the complex biological basis of LOVE, it is a fundamental component of this complex neurobio-chemical system, which allows the body to adapt to highly emotional situations. Still, oxytocin regulates the ability to love and form social bonds, impacting health and well-being.

(...) ”A life without LOVE is a life not lived entirely. (...) We have a lot to learn about love and a lot to learn from it. (...) ”. Therefore, oxytocin is a key element for this learning.

And to conclude, other studies already relate the importance of the role of oxytocin during orgasm and the health benefits, because after orgasm there is release of oxytocin. And guess how it is possible to potentiate the release of oxytocin? For Tantric Therapy =). Here's the tip!

NEERA PREM, biologist and therapist affiliated with the Metamorfose Network.

Bibliographic references:

Carter, CS & Porges, SW (2013) The biochesmistry of love: on the oxytocin hypothesis. Embo Reports.Vol.14, GN1.

Science Alert website - Accessed in February 2020.