Research updates from Luvaminos
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Research updates from Luvaminos
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Signaling
A cyclic nonapeptide hormone studied in receptor structural biology, reproductive physiology, and social neuroscience research.
Reviewed by Dr. James Whitfield, PharmD · Published · Last reviewed · For research use only.
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.
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.
Lyophilized
20°C (-80°C long term)
lyophilized powder typically stable approximately 24 months.
Aliquot to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles; protect from light; maintain sealed and dry conditions.
Reviews
McCormack SE, et al. (2021). Int J Mol Sci
Lawson EA, et al. (2020). Endocr Rev
Ooi YP, et al. (2017). Pharmacopsychiatry
Reviews
Lawson EA. (2017). Nat Rev Endocrinol
Arrowsmith S, Wray S. (2014). J Neuroendocrinol
Preti A, et al. (2014). J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol
Meyer-Lindenberg A, et al. (2011). Nat Rev Neurosci
Gimpl G, Fahrenholz F. (2001). Physiol Rev
Clinical
Sikich L, et al. (2021). N Engl J Med
Spanos M, et al. (2020). Contemp Clin Trials
Lee MR, et al. (2018). Mol Psychiatry
Striepens N, et al. (2013). Sci Rep
Kosfeld M, et al. (2005). Nature
Kirsch P, et al. (2005). J Neurosci
Primary research
Berendzen KM, et al. (2023). Neuron
Meyerowitz JG, et al. (2022). Nat Struct Mol Biol
Waltenspühl Y, et al. (2022). Nat Commun
Waltenspühl Y, et al. (2020). Sci Adv
Insel TR, Hulihan TJ. (1995). Behav Neurosci
Fuchs AR, et al. (1982). Science
Research Use Only
These products are intended for research purposes only and are not for human consumption. Not FDA approved. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
| Compound | Type | Molecular weight | CAS number |
|---|---|---|---|
| OxytocinThis page | Endogenous nonapeptide (disulfide-bridged, 9 residues) | 1,007.2 Da | 50-56-6 |
| PT-141 | Synthetic peptide (cyclic heptapeptide) | 1,025.18 g/mol | 189691-06-3 |
| Cardiogen | Synthetic linear tetrapeptide (short peptide bioregulator) | 489.5 g/mol | — |
| Cerebrolysin | Porcine brain-derived neuropeptide and amino-acid preparation (enzymatic hydrolysate; heterogeneous mixture) | Peptide fraction <10 kDa | 12656-61-0 |
| Cortagen | Synthetic linear tetrapeptide | 446.45 g/mol | — |
Comparison of laboratory reference specifications only. For research use only; not a therapeutic comparison.
Quality & methods