Objective: 

The study aimed to examine the effect and mechanism of oxytocin (OT) administration on the inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Methods: 

Thirty adult male rats equally divided into three groups. Control group fed regular diet; group II fed control diet supplemented with L-methionine (10gm/Kg) for 10 weeks. Group III received L-methionine and oxytocin treatment (1 mg/kg/day) intraperotineally for 10 weeks. Blood samples were evaluated for total homocysteine, interlukin-6(IL-6),monocyte chemoattractant protein-1MCP-1, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid profile, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH).RT-PCR for oxytocin receptor mRNA was done. Specimens from aortas were processed for immunohistochemical staining for (NF-kB) p65 protein.

Results: 

RT-PCR analysis showed that OT administration increased oxytocin receptor mRNA (2-folds, P<0.05). OT administration to group III decreased the plasma levels IL-6, MCP-1and CRP levels, which were elevated in group II. Moreover, there were increased plasma levels of NO and GSH of group II and decreased plasma levels of MDA. Marked increased expression of NF-kB in the aorta of group II was detected. However, OT administration restored the histological structure of the aorta and decreased the expression of NF-kB in the aorta of group III.

Conclusions: 

Oxytocin has anti inflammatory pathway in atherosclerosis, as it decelerates atherosclerosis by decreasing the proinflammatory responses via up-regulation of its receptors.