Oxytocin
Oxytocin — A nonapeptide hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary, studied for its roles in social bonding and smooth muscle contraction.
What Is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide hormone (Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) with a molecular weight of 1007.19 Da and an intramolecular disulfide bond between the two cysteine residues. Produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary, it was the first peptide hormone to be chemically synthesized, by Vincent du Vigneaud in 1953, earning him the Nobel Prize.
Mechanism of Action
Oxytocin signals through the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a G-protein coupled receptor that activates the Gq/phospholipase C/IP3 pathway, increasing intracellular calcium and triggering smooth muscle contraction. OXTR is expressed in uterine myometrium, mammary gland myoepithelial cells, and throughout the central nervous system in regions associated with social behavior and reward.
Research Applications
- Social neuroscience: Extensive research on oxytocin's role in pair bonding, trust, empathy, and social recognition in animal and human studies
- Reproductive biology: The reference compound for studying uterine contractility and lactation physiology
- Stress response: Research demonstrates anxiolytic effects through HPA axis modulation and amygdala activity reduction
- Autism research: Clinical studies investigating oxytocin's effects on social cognition and behavior
Storage
Store lyophilized at -20°C. The disulfide bond is essential for activity. Reconstitute with sterile water. Use within 14 days at 2-8°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oxytocin?
A nonapeptide hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary, studied for its roles in social bonding and smooth muscle contraction.
Why is Oxytocin important in peptide research?
Oxytocin is a fundamental concept in compound as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.