Oxytocin (Research Overview)
Oxytocin is a nine-amino-acid neuropeptide (Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) with a disulfide bridge between Cys1 and Cys6. It is produced in the hypothalamus and is studied as a signaling peptide in neuroendocrine research.
Mechanism of Action
Oxytocin acts on the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a G-protein-coupled receptor that signals mainly through Gq/11, phospholipase C, and intracellular calcium mobilization. OXTR can also couple to other G proteins depending on cell type, and the receptor is a standard target in calcium-flux and second-messenger assays.
Oxytocin is structurally close to vasopressin, differing at only two positions, so cross-reactivity at vasopressin receptors is an important consideration in receptor-pharmacology work. Its plasma half-life is very short, which shapes how experiments are designed.
Research Areas
Published preclinical research has examined oxytocin signaling in neuroendocrine and behavioral paradigms, including social-recognition tasks, stress-response measures, and modulation of the HPA axis in animal models.
In vitro work has characterized OXTR expression, receptor desensitization and trafficking, and downstream signaling in cell lines and primary tissue preparations.
Findings from animal or in-vitro systems do not establish safety or efficacy for any indication and should not be interpreted as medical claims.
Specification summary
Oxytocin
Stated purity ≥99%. For laboratory research use only.
Related materials
References
- Gimpl G, Fahrenholz F. The oxytocin receptor system: structure, function, and regulation. Physiol Rev. 2001;81(2):629-83. PMID 11274341 · DOI
- Jurek B, Neumann ID. The Oxytocin Receptor: From Intracellular Signaling to Behavior. Physiol Rev. 2018;98(3):1805-1908. PMID 29897293 · DOI
- Ferguson JN, Young LJ, Hearn EF, Matzuk MM, Insel TR, Winslow JT. Social amnesia in mice lacking the oxytocin gene. Nat Genet. 2000;25(3):284-8. PMID 10888874 · DOI
- Neumann ID. Involvement of the brain oxytocin system in stress coping: interactions with the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. Prog Brain Res. 2002;139:147-62. PMID 12436933 · DOI
- Bielsky IF, Young LJ. Oxytocin, vasopressin, and social recognition in mammals. Peptides. 2004;25(9):1565-74. PMID 15374658 · DOI
Cited literature is provided for scientific context only and does not describe or endorse any use of these products.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.