Publisher Summary The posterior pituitary contains a strong uterotonic activity known as the
nonapeptide oxytocin (OT). It has been determined that uterus itself represents a major site
of OT production. Therefore, the activation of uterine contractions by circulating OT is only
one aspect of OT action. A significant portion of OT activity originates from within the uterus
and, therfore, acts via autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. This chapter provides an
overview of the role of circulating oxytocin and its receptors. The uterus contains its own …