Peripheral oxytocin administration reduces locomotor activity in rats.
The V1A receptor antagonist SR49059 blocks oxytocin-induced hypo-locomotion.
Oxytocin increases Fos expression in neurons, including oxytocin producing neurons.
SR49059 reduced oxytocin-driven Fos activation in the hypothalamus and brain stem.
Many of the functional and neural effects of oxytocin may be V1AR mediated.