Oxytocin

Product Specifications

• CAS Number: 50-56-6
• Molecular Formula: C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂
• Molecular Weight: 1007.19 g/mol
• Purity: >98%+ (HPLC verified)
• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Quantity: 2mg per vial

Research Summary

Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide (Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂) with an intramolecular disulfide bridge, synthesized primarily in the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. It acts through the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a Gαq/11-coupled GPCR that activates phospholipase C, leading to inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG) generation. Preclinical research has extensively investigated oxytocin’s roles in social behavior neuroscience, smooth muscle physiology, and neuroendocrine regulation.

In animal model studies, oxytocin has been investigated for its effects on social recognition, pair bonding, anxiety-related behaviors, and stress axis modulation. Research in rodent models has examined the relationship between central oxytocin signaling and HPA axis regulation, including effects on corticosterone levels and stress-related behavioral parameters. In-vitro studies using myometrial and mammary gland smooth muscle preparations have characterized oxytocin’s contractile effects and receptor binding pharmacology.

Additional preclinical research has explored oxytocin’s influence on metabolic parameters in animal models, including effects on food intake, adipocyte function, and glucose homeostasis through both central and peripheral receptor activation. Neuroscience research has utilized oxytocin to study the neural circuitry of social cognition, reward processing, and autonomic regulation in various animal model systems.

Storage

Store lyophilized peptide at -20°C. Reconstituted solution should be stored at 2-8°C and used within 28 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Shipping

Ships same-day from our Canadian facility. All orders include temperature-controlled packaging.

For research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.