Oxytocin receptor belongs to the class 1 family of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) and its role is to regulate reproductive physiology, social and emotional behaviors. Like other members belonging to the GPCR superfamily, it has seven transmembrane domains, extracellular N-terminus and intracellular C-terminal tail^1,2.

The Oxytocin receptor ligand oxytocin, is a peptide that functions both as a hormone and as a neurotransmitter, and plays an important role in social behavior, estrous cycle, induction of labor and milk ejection, anxiety-related behaviors, food intake, stress-related responses, and pain control. Activation of the receptor leads to the stimulation of phospholipase C by interacting with Gα_q/11 in response to ligand binding¹.

Oxytocin receptor is widely abundant in several brain regions including the basal ganglia, the limbic system, the thalamus, the hypothalamus, the brainstem, and the spinal cord. It is also detected in the uterus, mammary gland, ovary, testis, prostate and kidney.

Several studies have suggested that administration of oxytocin in humans has the ability to increase generosity, trust and eye gaze. Oxytocin levels in the plasma relates to parent–child bonding behaviors, feelings of romantic love, trust and empathy. Similarly, Oxytocin receptor knockout mice shows several abnormalities in social and emotional behavior such as increased aggression and deficits in nurturing, positive affection, attachment, sensitivity and social memory^2,3.