🧬 Oxytocin – Neuropeptide for Social Bonding, Stress Modulation & Reproductive Research
Synonyms: OXT, α-hypophamine, Pitocin (clinical)
CAS Number: 50-56-6
Sequence: Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂ (disulfide bridge between Cys1–Cys6)
Molecular Weight: ~1007.2 Da
Form: Lyophilized powder or sterile injectable solution
Purity: ≥98% (HPLC)
Research Use Only. This compound is not approved for human or veterinary use.
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Description:
Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, then released via the posterior pituitary. While classically known for its role in labor induction and milk ejection, oxytocin also acts as a central neuromodulator, influencing social cognition, emotional regulation, and stress resilience. It binds to G-protein–coupled oxytocin receptors (OXTR) in the brain and periphery, modulating circuits in the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and gut-brain axis.
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⚙️ Mechanism of Action:
Oxytocin exerts its effects through:
• CNS signaling: Enhances empathy, trust, and bonding via limbic system activation
• HPA axis modulation: Reduces cortisol and dampens stress responses
• Reproductive effects: Triggers uterine contractions and facilitates lactation
• GI motility: Promotes smooth muscle contraction and modulates inflammation
• Cardiovascular tone: Induces vasodilation via nitric oxide release
• Neuroplasticity: Supports hippocampal synaptogenesis and memory consolidation
Its dual role as hormone and neurotransmitter makes it a versatile scaffold for behavioral and physiological research.
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📈 Research Applications:
Oxytocin is under investigation in preclinical and clinical models for:
• Social cognition and emotional processing
• Anxiety, PTSD, and mood disorders
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Appetite regulation and metabolic health
• Reproductive physiology and lactation modeling
• Pain modulation and neuroinflammation
Studies show oxytocin enhances self-confidence, reduces social anxiety, and may improve interpersonal trust in competitive or high-pressure environments.
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🧪 Dosing & Handling (Preclinical):
• Typical dose: 40–75 mcg SubQ or intranasal, once daily
• Onset: 30–60 minutes; duration 2–4 hours
• Cycle: 4–6 weeks for behavioral modulation studies
• Reconstitution: Use bacteriostatic water or 1:1 acetic acid for full solubilisation
• Store in the refrigerator once a reconstituted solution to preserve integrity 2-8°C
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📦 Packaging & Storage:
Supplied as lyophilized powder in 10mg vials. Reconstitute under sterile conditions. Aliquot and refrigerate reconstituted solution for multi-dose use. For research use only.
