Oxytocin release in response to stimulation of cingulate gyrus

Abstract

Electrical stimulation of the anterior limbic region in Nembutal-anesthetized cats evokes uterine contractions similar to those elicited by the injection of 50–100 mu of synthetic oxytocin. The contractions of the uterus caused by cortical stimulation must be related to release of an oxytocic agent carried through the blood stream, since transection of the spinal cord together with the severance of the vagi did not prevent the contractions. A moderate rise in blood pressure that appeared in the animals with spinal cord transection also suggests release of vasopressin.