A recent study revealed how the oxytocin, more popularly known as the "love hormone," ignites women's sexual interest on men citing a new class of brain cells that respond to it.

In a recent news release, a team of experts from New York headed by Rokefeller University Microbiology Professor Nathaniel Heintz described how the newly identified set of neurons in the female brain interacts with oxytocin during romantic interactions among sexes.

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"By identifying a new population of neurons activated by oxytocin, we have uncovered one way this chemical signal influences interactions between male and female mice," Heintz explained saying that a female mice's brain cells respond similarly to the hormone as humans brains would.

The team focused on the reaction from the brain's cortex upon registering an ample amount of oxytocin in the body.

A member of Heintz team, Miho Nakajima, further explained that the study was focused on females because the "love hormone" has been known to be involved in social behaviors among females.

During the study, the scientists put the female mice in a room with potential mates as well as inanimate objects such as a Lego block.

According to the study, there was a significant drop on the female mice's interest on a potential mate once the cells were blocked and were not able to interact with oxytocin.

The 'OxtrIN' cells, identified to be the ones responsible for sexual interest among genders, appear to sit idly when not exposed to the "love hormone."

"The interesting part is that when exposed to oxytocin these neurons fire more frequently in female mice than they do in male mice, possibly reflecting the differences that showed up in the behavioral tests," co-researcher Andreas Görlich explained.

Aside from sparking interest in the opposite sex, previous studies also revealed how oxytocin is also known to help in building mother and child bonds, team cooperation and aiding couples to fall in love.

TagsMicrobiology, SEX, love hormone, oxytocin