Oxytocin is a nonapeptide neurohormone synthesized in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland. Often called the “bonding hormone,” it plays critical roles in social behavior, emotional attachment, reproductive physiology, and pain modulation. This research-grade vial contains 2mg of synthetic Oxytocin as lyophilized powder.
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About this compound
Oxytocin (Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly; MW 1007 Da) is a nonapeptide synthesised in the hypothalamic PVN and SON and released both peripherally (posterior pituitary) and centrally (axonal projections to amygdala, NAc, hippocampus, brainstem). It is one of the most evolutionarily conserved peptides in vertebrate neuroscience, with functional homologues from nematodes to primates. Oxytocin's central roles in social bonding, trust, fear reduction, sexual function, and reproductive physiology make it the primary research tool for social neuroscience, reproductive endocrinology, ASD, PTSD, and attachment biology.
Research Data
Research Snapshot — Oxytocin
Key Mechanisms & Pathways
- OTR / Gq / PLC / IP3Gq-coupled OTR → PLC activation → IP3-mediated Ca²⁺ release and DAG/PKC activation — the universal OTR intracellular cascade.
- Mesolimbic DopamineOTR in nucleus accumbens potentiates D2 receptor signalling — the neurochemical basis of social reward and pair bonding.
- Amygdala CRF SuppressionOxytocinergic PVN→CeA projections suppress corticotropin-releasing factor release, reducing anxiety and fear conditioning.
- Serotonin Cross-TalkBidirectional feedback with dorsal raphe 5-HT release; regulates social affiliation and prosocial motivation.
- Reproductive NeuroendocrineTriggers uterine contraction (parturition), milk ejection (lactation), and smooth muscle contraction in vas deferens during ejaculation.
- Immune ModulationOTR on T-lymphocytes and macrophages reduces TNF-α and IL-6 production; anti-inflammatory in LPS challenge models.
Preclinical & Clinical Research Summary
| Research Area | Key Finding | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Social Trust | Intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) significantly increased trust in the Trust Game economic experiment. | Kosfeld M et al., 2005 — Nature |
| ASD / Social Cognition | Improved emotion recognition and social motivation in adults with ASD; fMRI showed CNS changes. | Guastella AJ et al., 2010 — Biol Psychiatry |
| Pair Bonding | OTR knockout in prairie voles abolished pair bond formation despite normal sexual behaviour. | Insel TR & Young LJ, 2001 — Nat Rev Neurosci |
| Sexual Function | Plasma OT surges 3–5× during orgasm; intranasal OT increased sexual satisfaction in crossover study. | Kruger THC et al., 2012 — Horm Behav |
References
- Kosfeld M et al. "Oxytocin increases trust in humans." Nature, 2005;435(7042):673–676.
- Insel TR, Young LJ. "The neurobiology of attachment." Nat Rev Neurosci, 2001;2(2):129–136.
- Guastella AJ et al. "Intranasal oxytocin improves emotion recognition for youth with autism spectrum disorders." Biol Psychiatry, 2010;67(7):692–694.
- Meyer-Lindenberg A et al. "Oxytocin and vasopressin in the human brain: social neuropeptides for translational medicine." Nat Rev Neurosci, 2011;12(9):524–538.
Specifications
- Sequence
- Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂
- Molecular Weight
- 1007.2 Da
- Amino Acids
- 9
- Half-Life
- 1–6 minutes (IV)
- CAS Number
- 50-56-6
- Vial Size
- 2mg
- Purity
- ≥99% (HPLC)
- Form
- Lyophilized powder
- Reconstitution
- Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol)
- Storage
- Sealed: 2–8 °C · Reconstituted: 2–8 °C, use within 28 days
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