RAGE regulates oxytocin transport into the brain

Oxytocin, a nonapeptide hormone, has a key role in female reproductive functions as well as in social memory in the brain. In our recent Communications Biology article, we reported that oxytocin is transported from the peripheral blood into the brain by the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) in endothelial cells at the blood−brain barrier. Additionally, we found that oral oxytocin is absorbed by RAGE on intestinal epithelial cells at the blood−intestinal barrier. From a physiological perspective, we herein outline the continuing research regarding oxytocin and social behaviour. Yamamoto and Higashido discuss the possible routes of the hormone oxytocin in the body, and highlight their recent study in Communications Biology where they showed that the RAGE receptor is a transporter for oxytocin across the blood−brain barrier.