Activation of neurons containing oxytocin and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) during colorectal distention (CRD) is likely to play a crucial role in animal models of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Earlier studies in rodents showed that the microbiome is involved in social behavior via oxytocin expression in the brain. However, the detailed mechanism of visceral sensation and oxytocin is largely unknown. We tested the following hypotheses: (1) that oxytocin neurons in the PVN are activated by CRD, and (2) that the activation of oxytocin neurons by CRD is related to anxiety-like behavior, visceral perception, and an activation of CRH CeA neurons or ACC neurons. Oxytocin antagonist caused visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behavior. In the PVN, oxytocin neurons were activated by CRD. Noxious CRD activated the CeA, basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA), and ACC. High-dose oxytocin antagonist suppressed ACC activity and activated CRH CeA neurons. These results support our hypotheses. Oxytocin likely regulates CRH CeA neurons in an inhibitory manner and the ACC in an excitatory manner. Further research into the interaction of oxytocin and CRH in visceral pain and anxiety is warranted.

在结直肠扩张 (CRD) 期间，下丘脑室旁核 (PVN)、前扣带回皮层 (ACC) 和杏仁核中央核 (CeA) 中含有催产素和促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素 (CRH) 的神经元可能被激活在肠易激综合征 (IBS) 的动物模型中发挥关键作用。早期对啮齿动物的研究表明，微生物组通过大脑中催产素的表达参与社会行为。然而，内脏感觉和催产素的详细机制在很大程度上是未知的。我们测试了以下假设：（1）PVN 中的催产素神经元被 CRD 激活，以及（2）CRD 对催产素神经元的激活与焦虑样行为、内脏知觉和 CRH CeA 神经元的激活有关或 ACC 神经元。催产素拮抗剂引起内脏超敏反应和焦虑样行为。在 PVN 中，催产素神经元被 CRD 激活。有害的 CRD 激活了 CeA、杏仁核基底外侧核 (BLA) 和 ACC。高剂量催产素拮抗剂抑制 ACC 活性并激活 CRH CeA 神经元。这些结果支持我们的假设。催产素可能以抑制方式调节 CRH CeA 神经元，以兴奋方式调节 ACC。有必要进一步研究催产素和 CRH 在内脏疼痛和焦虑中的相互作用。催产素可能以抑制方式调节 CRH CeA 神经元，以兴奋方式调节 ACC。有必要进一步研究催产素和 CRH 在内脏疼痛和焦虑中的相互作用。催产素可能以抑制方式调节 CRH CeA 神经元，以兴奋方式调节 ACC。有必要进一步研究催产素和 CRH 在内脏疼痛和焦虑中的相互作用。