Brain Facts:
Peptides

Oxytocin

Oxytocin generates a sense of satisfying relaxation.

Oxytocin

The first peptide ever to be replicated outside the body was oxytocin. This is the substance that is released from the pituitary gland during the childbirth to bind the receptors in the uterus, where it causes the uterine contraction the will eventually do the work of expelling the baby.

In the brain it acts to produce maternal behavior, stop infanticide, and seems to help some male rodents find long-term, monogamous relationships.

Oxytocin
—Brain

Oxytocin has a short half-life in the brain—it’s gone in just a matter of minutes. But close, positive long-term relationships may offer us a relatively steady source of oxytocin release; every hug friendly touch, and affectionate moment may prime this neurochemical balm a bit. When oxytocin releases again and again—as happens when we spend good time with people who love us—we seem to reap the long-term health benefits of human affection.

Peptide Orexin

Peptide orexins acts on receptors in the hypothalamus, a command center for the regulation of sleep, aggression, sexual behaviors and other core activities.

Peptide
—Building Blocks

Peptides consist of a string of amino acids, each joined together like beads in a necklace. When there are approximately 100 amino acids in the chain, the peptide is considered to be polypeptide; after 200 amino acids, it’s called a protein.

Amino Acids are the letters. Peptides, including polypeptides and proteins, are the words made up of the letters. And they all come together to make up a language that composes and directs every cell, organ, and system in your body.