more articles on the chemistry of love

[juldea]

If you were interested in that last article, shogunhb just posted a link to some others about the chemistry of love - and they're really interesting. Check 'em out.

From http://www.oxytocin.org/oxytoc/love-science.html :

Parts of the brain that are love-bitten include the one responsible for gut feelings, and the ones which generate the euphoria induced by drugs such as cocaine. So the brains of people deeply in love do not look like those of people experiencing strong emotions, but instead like those of people snorting coke.

From http://www.oxytocin.org/cuddle-hormone/ :

In addition, studies show that oxytocin in females, as well as the closely related vasopressin in males, is key to pair bonding. / The hormone is naturally released in response to a variety of environmental stimuli including...uterine or cervical stimulation during sex. / Since the release of oxytocin can be classically conditioned, after repeatedly having sex with the same partner, just seeing that partner could release more oxytocin, making you want to be with that person all the more, and you bond, she said.

Comments

[ex-dervish821.livejournal.com]

Like I commented below, oxytocin is also released during breastfeeding. It's involved in the mother-baby bond, I guess much like it works when you repeatedly have sex with the same partner.

[isaiahblake.livejournal.com]

'Since the release of oxytocin can be classically conditioned' ...

This explains so much.

[juldea.livejournal.com]

Ah. I believe I know whom you're referring to.