Sexual Health•Social Neuropeptide
💊Oxytocin
Nonapeptide governing social bonding, trust, pair bonding, arousal, and reproductive function. Primary research tool for social neuroscience, ASD, PTSD, and attachment biology.
Amino acids
9
Mol. weight
1007.2 Da
Half-life
1–6 minutes (IV); longer IN
Availability
In stock
Amino acid sequence
Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂What Is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is synthesised in the hypothalamic PVN and SON, released both peripherally (posterior pituitary) and centrally (axonal projections). One of the most evolutionarily conserved peptides in vertebrate neuroscience, with roles spanning uterine contraction (peripheral) to social bonding, trust, and sexual reward (central).
Key Mechanisms
- OTR / Gq / PLC / IP3 — primary intracellular cascade: Ca²⁺ release and PKC activation
- Mesolimbic dopamine — OTR in NAc potentiates D2 signalling; basis of social reward
- Amygdala CRF suppression — PVN→CeA projections reduce fear conditioning and anxiety
- Serotonin cross-talk — bidirectional 5-HT feedback in dorsal raphe
Key References
- Kosfeld M et al. "Oxytocin increases trust in humans." Nature, 2005;435:673–676.
- Insel TR, Young LJ. "The neurobiology of attachment." Nat Rev Neurosci, 2001;2:129–136.
Related in Sexual Health
💊Melanocortin
Melanotan II
Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R–MC5R). Precursor to PT-141 (bremelanotide). Promotes melanogenesis, sexual arousal, and appetite suppression. Extensive preclinical and human data.
💊FDA Approved
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
FDA-approved (Vyleesi, 2019) CNS melanocortin receptor agonist. Acts via MC3R/MC4R in hypothalamus — not peripherally. Effective in PDE5 non-responders.