Oxytocin 5mg

🔬 Oxytocin — Overview

Oxytocin is a naturally occurring neuropeptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland. It plays a central role in social bonding, reproductive physiology, and neuroendocrine signaling. Oxytocin acts both as a circulating hormone and as a neuromodulator within the brain.

📌 Brief Functional Description

• Social & bonding behaviors: Studied for roles in attachment, trust, pair bonding, and social cognition.
• Reproductive physiology: Mediates uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during lactation.
• Stress modulation: Influences autonomic and neuroendocrine responses related to stress and anxiety.
• Research relevance: Widely studied in neuroscience, behavioral science, and reproductive endocrinology.

🧪 Chemical & Structural Information

🔢 CAS Number

• 50-56-6

🧬 Molecular Formula

• C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂

⚖️ Molecular Weight

• ≈1,007.2 g/mol (Da)

🧬 Amino Acid Sequence & Structure

• Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide (9 amino acids) with the sequence:
  Cys–Tyr–Ile–Gln–Asn–Cys–Pro–Leu–Gly–NH₂
• A disulfide bond between the two cysteine residues forms a cyclic structure, which is critical for receptor binding and biological activity.
• The C-terminal amidation further stabilizes the peptide.

General structural description:

9-amino-acid cyclic peptide with one disulfide bridge and C-terminal amidation 

🧠 Mechanism & Biological Context

• Oxytocin binds to the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) expressed in the uterus, mammary glands, and multiple brain regions.
• Receptor activation triggers intracellular signaling pathways (primarily phospholipase C–IP₃–Ca²⁺) leading to smooth muscle contraction and neuromodulatory effects.
• Within the CNS, oxytocin functions as a neuropeptide transmitter, shaping social and emotional behaviors rather than acting solely through endocrine circulation.

⚠️ Safety & Regulatory Notes

• Approved pharmaceutical: Oxytocin is FDA-approved for specific obstetric indications (e.g., labor induction, postpartum hemorrhage control).
• Research use: Intranasal and experimental formulations are used in controlled research settings to study behavioral and neurological effects.
• Physiological effects are dose-, route-, and context-dependent.

🧪 Quick Reference