Oxytocin
Research Peptide | Lyophilized Powder | Batch Tested
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Insulated shipping · Styrofoam box available.
Product Overview
Oxytocin is a nine-amino-acid neuropeptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. Often called the "bonding hormone," it is central to social behavior, reproduction, childbirth and lactation, and it acts both as a circulating hormone and as a neurotransmitter in the brain.
| Test | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | 98.3% | Passed ✓ |
| Test | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | 98.4% | Passed ✓ |
| Test | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | 98.7% | Passed ✓ |
Research Information
Oxytocin is studied for its activation of oxytocin receptors and its roles in social and emotional behavior, stress modulation, uterine contraction and milk let-down, and neuroendocrine signaling in laboratory models spanning behavioral neuroscience and reproductive physiology. Supplied strictly for in-vitro and laboratory research use only — not for human or animal consumption.
Oxytocin Research & Studies
What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a cyclic nine-amino-acid neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary in the biological systems under laboratory study. Researchers examine it as both a circulating hormone and a central neurotransmitter. Its primary sequence is Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2, stabilized by a disulfide bridge between the cysteine residues. The compound is supplied strictly for in-vitro and laboratory research use only.
Mechanism of Action
In experimental models oxytocin binds the oxytocin receptor, a G-protein-coupled receptor that preferentially couples to Gq. Receptor activation stimulates phospholipase C, generating inositol trisphosphate and elevating intracellular calcium. These cascades are mapped in transfected cell lines, primary neuronal cultures and isolated tissue preparations. Parallel assays quantify selectivity relative to the closely related vasopressin receptors.
Primary Areas of Research
Laboratory investigations focus on social recognition and affiliative circuits using standardized rodent behavioral paradigms. Additional work addresses stress-axis modulation and neuroendocrine feedback loops in hypothalamic explants. Reproductive-physiology studies employ isolated myometrial strips and mammary-gland preparations to examine contractile and secretory signaling. Interactions with related neuropeptides are routinely compared in the same model systems.
Key Research Findings
Classic prairie-vole experiments have linked oxytocin-receptor signaling to partner-preference formation under controlled laboratory conditions. In-vitro myometrial assays demonstrate concentration-dependent contractile responses. Electrophysiological recordings from brain-slice preparations document modulation of neuronal excitability in regions implicated in social processing. These observations arise from decades of peer-reviewed work in behavioral neuroscience and reproductive physiology.
Research Handling & Considerations
Research-grade oxytocin is typically supplied lyophilized and stored at -20 °C or lower to preserve peptide integrity. Reconstitution employs sterile aqueous buffers matched to the intended assay system. Experimental designs must account for possible receptor cross-reactivity and peptide stability over time. All handling is restricted to qualified laboratory personnel conducting in-vitro or model-system studies only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oxytocin is studied as a cyclic nonapeptide containing a disulfide bridge between Cys1 and Cys6; its sequence and conformation are characterized by mass spectrometry and receptor-binding assays.
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