Oxytocin: Scientific Profile
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Oxytocin (CAS 50-56-6) is a neurohypophyseal nonapeptide that acts on the OXTR receptor (class A GPCR, Gq/PLC). Reagent for in vitro and preclinical research in oxytocinergic signaling.
Oxytocin (oxytocin; oxitocina; CAS 50-56-6) is a neurohypophyseal hormone of the cyclic nonapeptide class, with the sequence Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2 (9 amino acids) and an intramolecular disulfide bridge. It is synthesized in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus and released by the neurohypophysis. Its molecular formula is C43H66N12O12S2 and its average molecular weight is 1007.19 g/mol. Mechanism: it binds to the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a class A G protein-coupled receptor that couples to Gq/11, activates phospholipase C (PLC), and generates IP3 and DAG, mobilizing intracellular Ca2+. As a research reagent (RUO), oxytocin is used in in vitro assays and preclinical models of oxytocinergic signaling and of social and affiliative behavior. Laboratory handling: reconstitute the lyophilate in bacteriostatic water; store the lyophilate at -20 °C and the reconstituted solution at 2-8 °C for a maximum of 14 days. Material intended exclusively for research.
Mechanism of action
Oxytocin acts on specific receptors in the limbic system, modulating social behavior, trust and emotional responses.
Mechanism summary
Oxytocin binds to the OXTR receptor, a class A GPCR coupled to Gq/11 that activates phospholipase C (PLC), generating IP3 and DAG and mobilizing intracellular Ca2+. It is synthesized in the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei.
Clinical Studies (4)
- Oxytocin and social behavior (Donaldson ZR, Young LJ. · Science · 2008) — Review of the role of oxytocin in social behavior and affective bonds. PMID 18988842.
- Oxytocin: physiology, pharmacology, and clinical application for labor management (Hermesch, et al. · American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology · 2024) PMID 37460365.
- Oxytocin: Crossing the bridge between basic science and pharmacotherapy (Viero, et al. · CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics · 2010) PMID 20626426.
- Oxytocin role in enhancing well-being: a literature review (Ishak, et al. · Journal of Affective Disorders · 2011) PMID 20584551.
Warnings
Oxytocin is a compound exclusively for research use (RUO); the following warnings and handling considerations apply to its use in the laboratory:
- Nasal use is more common for behavioral effects
- Models with known hypersensitivity to oxytocin or excipients
- Models with uncontrolled hypertension
- Models with a history of hyponatremia or water intoxication
- Models with uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias
- Pregnant models outside a supervised obstetric context
- Models with uncontrolled active bipolar disorder or psychosis
Technical data
- CAS
- 50-56-6
- Molecular formula
- C43H66N12O12S2
- Molecular weight
- 1007.19 Da
- Compound type
- hormone
- Storage
- -20 °C liofilizado; 2-8 °C reconstituido
- Shelf life (lyophilized)
- 24 months
- Shelf life (reconstituted)
- 30 days refrigerated
- Light-sensitive
- Sí
Available for research
Oxytocin is available as a research-use-only (RUO) reagent with HPLC-verified purity and a per-batch COA:
Frequently asked questions about Oxytocin
What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin (CAS 50-56-6) is a neurohypophyseal nonapeptide that acts on the OXTR receptor (class A GPCR, Gq/PLC). Reagent for in vitro and preclinical research in oxytocinergic signaling.
What is the mechanism of action of Oxytocin?
Oxytocin binds to the OXTR receptor, a class A GPCR coupled to Gq/11 that activates phospholipase C (PLC), generating IP3 and DAG and mobilizing intracellular Ca2+. It is synthesized in the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei.
What is Oxytocin investigated for?
In preclinical research, Oxytocin is studied mainly in: Modulation of prosocial behavior; Regulation of the HPA axis; Oxytocinergic neurotransmission. Material for scientific research use only.
What are the chemical properties of Oxytocin?
Molecular formula C43H66N12O12S2; molecular weight 1007.19 Da; CAS number 50-56-6.
How is Oxytocin stored?
Condiciones de conservación: -20 °C liofilizado; 2-8 °C reconstituido; estabilidad liofilizado: 24 meses; una vez reconstituido: 30 días refrigerado; protéjase de la luz.
What routes of administration are studied for Oxytocin?
In research models the following are described: Intranasal, Subcutaneous, Intravenous. Use is exclusively for scientific research.