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Oxytocin

Oxytocin (Oxt) is a mammalian neurohypophysial hormone that acts primarily as a neuromodulator in the brain. Oxytocin plays roles in sexual reproduction, in particular during and after childbirth. It is released in large amounts after distension of the cervix and uterus during labor, facilitating birth, maternal bonding, and, after stimulation of the nipples, breastfeeding. Both childbirth and milk ejection result from positive feedback mechanisms.