Oxytocin
A cyclic nonapeptide hormone studied in receptor structural biology, reproductive physiology, and social neuroscience research.
Quick answers
What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is an endogenous nonapeptide (disulfide-bridged, 9 residues) with a molecular weight of 1,007.2 Da and the formula C43H66N12O12S2.
How much published research cites Oxytocin?
The Luvaminos Oxytocin record cites 20 published references, dated 1982 to 2023. Each is listed on this page with a link to its source.
Does Luvaminos test Oxytocin, and where is the certificate?
Luvaminos does not currently stock Oxytocin. Every peptide lot Luvaminos sells is tested by Freedom Diagnostics Testing, PLLC, an independent laboratory, and its certificate is published at luvaminos.com/coa under the lot number printed on the vial.
What modifications does Oxytocin carry?
Oxytocin: Intramolecular disulfide bond between Cys1 and Cys6; C-terminal primary amide.
How is Oxytocin powder stored?
Sealed Oxytocin powder: -20°C (-80°C long term); lyophilized powder typically stable approximately 24 months. Protect from light; maintain sealed and dry conditions.
Molecular Profile
- Type
- Endogenous nonapeptide (disulfide-bridged, 9 residues)
- Molecular formula
- C43H66N12O12S2
- Molecular weight
- 1,007.2 Da
- CAS number
- 50-56-6
- Amino acids
- 9
- Sequence
- CYIQNCPLG-NH2
- Modification
- Intramolecular disulfide bond between Cys1 and Cys6; C-terminal primary amide.
Mechanism & Target Class
Oxytocin activates OXTR, a rhodopsin-family (class A) GPCR primarily coupled via Gq/11 to phospholipase C-β, which hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) into diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3); IP3 triggers Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores via IP3 receptors while DAG activates protein kinase C. OXTR can also engage Gi/o-family proteins under certain conditions. The high-affinity active state requires Mg²⁺ as a coordinating cofactor and cholesterol at an extrahelical allosteric site between transmembrane helices IV and V. OXTR shows pharmacological cross-reactivity with the closely related vasopressin receptor subtypes (V1aR, V1bR, V2R), a recognized confound in exogenous-administration studies. Structural studies have resolved the role of a single conserved residue acting as a molecular switch governing cation dependence across the oxytocin/vasopressin receptor family.
Storage & Handling
- Lyophilized
- -20°C (-80°C long term); lyophilized powder typically stable approximately 24 months.
- Handling
- protect from light; maintain sealed and dry conditions.
Primary Database
References (20)
Reviews
1McCormack SE, et al. (2021). Int J Mol Sci
- 2
Lawson EA, et al. (2020). Endocr Rev
- 3
Ooi YP, et al. (2017). Pharmacopsychiatry
- 4
Lawson EA. (2017). Nat Rev Endocrinol
- 5
Arrowsmith S, Wray S. (2014). J Neuroendocrinol
- 6
Preti A, et al. (2014). J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol
- 7
Meyer-Lindenberg A, et al. (2011). Nat Rev Neurosci
- 8
Gimpl G, Fahrenholz F. (2001). Physiol Rev
Clinical
9Sikich L, et al. (2021). N Engl J Med
- 10
Spanos M, et al. (2020). Contemp Clin Trials
- 11
Lee MR, et al. (2018). Mol Psychiatry
- 12
Striepens N, et al. (2013). Sci Rep
- 13
Kosfeld M, et al. (2005). Nature
- 14
Kirsch P, et al. (2005). J Neurosci
Primary research
15Berendzen KM, et al. (2023). Neuron
- 16
Meyerowitz JG, et al. (2022). Nat Struct Mol Biol
- 17
Waltenspühl Y, et al. (2022). Nat Commun
- 18
Waltenspühl Y, et al. (2020). Sci Adv
- 19
Insel TR, Hulihan TJ. (1995). Behav Neurosci
- 20
Fuchs AR, et al. (1982). Science
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