Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide with the sequence Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂, featuring a disulfide bridge between the two cysteine residues (positions 1 and 6). It has a molecular weight of approximately 1,007.19 Da. Originally identified for its roles in uterine smooth muscle contraction and lactation, oxytocin has emerged as a compound of immense research interest in social neuroscience, neuroendocrine signaling, and behavioral neurobiology.
Oxytocin exerts its effects through the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a Gq/11-coupled G-protein coupled receptor. In OXTR-expressing cell models, ligand binding activates the phospholipase C/IP3/DAG signaling cascade, resulting in intracellular calcium mobilization and PKC activation. In neuronal cell cultures, OXTR activation has been shown to modulate GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission through effects on ion channel conductance and neurotransmitter release probability. These signaling properties underpin oxytocin’s utility as a research tool in synaptic physiology and neural circuit investigation.
Neuroendocrine research represents a primary application area. In hypothalamic magnocellular neuron preparations, oxytocin release dynamics have been studied using electrophysiological recording and peptide secretion assays. The autoregulatory positive feedback mechanism, whereby dendritically released oxytocin stimulates further oxytocin secretion, has been characterized in hypothalamic slice culture models. In pituitary cell preparations, oxytocin has been investigated for cross-talk with vasopressin receptor (V1a/V1b) signaling pathways due to structural homology between these neuropeptides.
In vitro studies in cardiomyocyte models have identified OXTR-mediated effects on atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) release and nitric oxide production. Immune cell research has demonstrated OXTR expression in thymocytes and peripheral immune cell populations, with oxytocin treatment modulating cytokine expression profiles in PBMC cultures. Osteoblast cell models have been used to investigate oxytocin’s effects on bone formation markers and mineralization.
Erosyn Labs provides oxytocin as a lyophilized powder at ≥98% purity verified by HPLC with mass spectrometry identity confirmation. Disulfide bridge integrity is verified for each lot. A comprehensive Certificate of Analysis is included. Reconstitution in sterile water or 0.1% acetic acid is recommended. Store lyophilized material at -20°C. Reconstituted solutions should be aliquoted and stored at -20°C for extended use or 2–8°C for short-term use within 14 days.
For research and laboratory use only. Not for human consumption.
