催产素受体配体及其中枢和外周功能研究进展

摘要

催产素(oxytocin, OT)是一个含有9个氨基酸残基的环状神经肽,除了传统的缩宫和泌乳作用外,近年来, OT在中枢神经系统及其它外周器官的新功能也受到广泛关注,如改善精神分裂症、自闭症和焦虑症等精神心理症状。 OT通过与其受体(oxytocin receptor, OTR)结合而发挥生理作用,目前研究人员以OT信号系统作为药物靶标,通过开发新型OTR配体(即激动剂和拮抗剂)来预防和改善相应症状。该文从OTR药理学角度对其激动剂和拮抗剂及其生物学功能的最新研究进展进行了综述。%Oxytocin ( OT ) is a cyclic neuropeptide containing nine amino acids residues, in addition to the traditional roles of uterine contraction and lactation, it also plays important roles in the central nervous system and other peripheral organs, such as improving schizophrenia, autism - related psychiatric and psy-chological symptoms. Oxytocin exhibits its physiological func-tions by binding to its receptor (oxytocin receptor,OTR). Cur- rently researchers are manipulating OT system by developing new OTR ligand ( agonists and antagonists ) , hoping to prevent and treat OTR related diseases. This paper reviews the latest devel-opment of OTR agonists, antagonists and its physiological roles in central nerve system and peripheral organs.