1. Where is oxytocin synthesized?
Oxytocin is synthesized by the paraventricular nucleus (PVN).
Oxytocin is transported down the axons in synaptic vesicles by specific motor proteins.
Oxytocin is released in response to specific stimuli, including:<br></br>- Birthing process<br></br>- Suckling by the baby on the mother’s mammary glands<br></br>- Male ejaculation
The stretching of the cervix of the uterus by the baby during the birthing process activates specific stretch receptors within certain layers of the uterus. These receptors send signals to the hypothalamus, which then signals the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) to secrete already synthesized oxytocin.
The baby’s suckling on the nipple activates specific mechanoreceptors, picking up tactile stimuli.
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The Milk Letdown Reflex is the enhanced contractile process in myoepithelial cells next to alveolar glands in the breasts, triggered by released oxytocin during suckling. This process helps eject the already produced milk.
The baby’s suckling on the nipple activates specific mechanoreceptors, picking up tactile stimuli.
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The Milk Letdown Reflex is the enhanced contractile process in myoepithelial cells next to alveolar glands in the breasts, triggered by released oxytocin during suckling. This process helps eject the already produced milk.
Oxytocin, during the sexual orgasmic response before ejaculation, causes the contraction of the vas deferens. This contraction facilitates the movement of sperm up through the entire male reproductive tract.
Oxytocin is associated with love and compassion, and it is sometimes referred to as the ‘cuddle hormone.’ Elevated oxytocin levels may lead to increased feelings of love and compassion.
In the birthing process, if a woman needs assistance, she may be given synthetic oxytocin, known as pitocin.
Uterine inertia is a condition where contractions during labor are not strong enough to push the fetus out. Hyposecretion of oxytocin, where the body does not produce enough oxytocin, can lead to uterine inertia. This condition is uncommon and may be associated with postpartum hemorrhaging affecting the vessels between the hypothalamus and the neurohypophysis, known as Sheehan’s syndrome. It is more common in the anterior pituitary than in the posterior.
What non-immunomodulatory measures are recommended in the management of SLE?
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What is the recommended management for mild-moderate SLE, including skin disease and arthralgia?
How is moderate-severe SLE managed, especially in cases of inflammatory arthritis or organ involvement?
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What is the recommended treatment for severe organ involvement in SLE, such as lupus nephritis or CNS lupus?
Treatment often involves IV steroids and cyclophosphamide.
In cases of unresponsive SLE, what additional therapies might be considered?
Other therapies such as IV immunoglobulin and rituximab may be necessary in unresponsive cases.
How should SLE be monitored during treatment?
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What complications are associated with long-term SLE and its management?
Increased prevalence of avascular necrosis, usually of the femoral head, which may be related to steroid use.
ADH, also known as Vasopressin, is produced in the Supraoptic nucleus (SON) in the hypothalamus and secreted by the neurohypophysis.
After synthesis, ADH is transported down the axons in synaptic vesicles by specific motor proteins.