IS OXYTOCIN INVOLVED IN PARTURITION?

  1. Susan M. Sellers,
  2. Helena T. Hodgson,
  3. Lesley A. Mountford,
  4. M. D. Mitchell,
  5. Anne B. M. Anderson,
  6. A. C. Turnbull

Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005

DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1981.tb01273.x

Issue

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Volume 88, Issue 7, pages 725–729, July 1981

Additional Information

How to Cite

Sellers, S. M., Hodgson, H. T., Mountford, L. A., Mitchell, M. D., Anderson, A. B. M. and Turnbull, A. C. (1981), IS OXYTOCIN INVOLVED IN PARTURITION?. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 88: 725–729. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1981.tb01273.x

Author Information

  1. Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 23 AUG 2005
  2. Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
  3. Received December 23, 1980/Accepted January 29, 1981.

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Summary

Peripheral plasma levels of oxytocin were determined in women during pregnancy and labour. There was a significant increase in maternal plasma oxytocin with advancing gestation but no significant change in levels at any stage of labour. Oxytocin concentrations in umbilical cord plasma were measured after spontaneous vaginal delivery and at elective caesarean section. A significant arteriovenous difference, with higher arterial levels, was found in both groups and the values after labour were significantly higher than at elective caesarean section. These findings suggest that the fetus is able to produce oxytocin which may play a role in human parturition.

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