Oxytocin the Love Hormone and Genes

Obviously genes are responsible for psychological make up but new research suggests that they are also responsible for emotional make up. In new research at UCLA they have found a gene connected with the production of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin like cortisol increases with stress. It is responsible for feeling connected with others, self-mastery, and empathy some have called it the caretaker hormone because it makes one concerned about the well being of others.

Some people because of their genes are predisposed to having more oxytocin because of the gene variant that they carry. Some people have the A variant gene (adenine) and some people have the G variant (guanine). Those of us who have the G variant are more susceptible to stress and isolation.

                                                     Image of oxytocin via Creative Commons

This is hit or miss but interesting just the same. It is hit or miss because the genes expression is not stable. in the case of physical characteristics it is relatively easy because your eye color is not going to change where as your moods certainly do.

via UCLA Newsroom

UCLA Newsroom