Oxytocin modulates respiratory heart rate variability through a hypothalamus–brainstem–heart neuronal pathway

Nature Neuroscience, Published online: 20 October 2025; doi:10.1038/s41593-025-02074-2

Buron et al. show that oxytocin enhances heart rate variability linked to breathing during recovery from stress. This calming and cardio-protective effect is produced through a hypothalamus–brainstem pathway for parasympathetic control of the heart.