Oxytocin

Product | Oxytocin

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a synthetic mammalian nonapeptide hormone (Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2 with a 1-6 disulfide bridge) engineered for neuro-endocrine, smooth muscle contraction, and central neuropeptidergic research. By selectively activating the Gq-coupled Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR), Oxytocin stimulates intracellular calcium mobilization via the Phospholipase C (PLC) pathway.

What is Oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a naturally occurring cyclic nonapeptide neuropeptide synthesized within the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Characterized by its conserved nine amino acid sequence (Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂) with a modern intramolecular disulfide bridge between Cysteine-1 and Cysteine-6, Oxytocin serves as a foundational neuro-endocrine signal across mammalian physiology. Operating primarily through the G-protein coupled Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR), Oxytocin regulates peripheral myoepithelial and vascular smooth muscle tone while modulating central social affiliation, stress attenuation, and reward pathways in limbic brain structures. Batch-tested for high analytical purity at Modern Aminos, Oxytocin is offered in a standardized laboratory format:

5MG lyophilized reference powder sealed in a 2R glass vial

Laboratories investigating neuro-endocrine receptor kinetics, smooth muscle excitation-contraction coupling, and central behavioral signaling evaluate Oxytocin alongside complementary neuropeptide and melanocortinergic reference standards available on the site, such as PT-141 (Bremelanotide), Melanotan II, and Kisspeptin-10.

Chemical and Molecular Data

Compound Name	Oxytocin (Hypothalamic Nonapeptide)
Quantity / Formats Offered	5MG Lyophilized Powder (2R Glass Vial) \| 10MG Lyophilized Powder (2R Glass Vial)
Peptide Sequence	`Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂` (Disulfide Bridge: Cys1–Cys6)
Synonyms / Alt Names	Alpha-hypophamine, Pitocin, Oxytocic Hormone, OXT
CAS Number	50-56-6
Chemical Formula	C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂
Molecular Weight	1007.19 g/mol
IUPAC Name	1-({(4R,7S,10S,13S,16S,19R)-19-amino-7-(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)-10-(3-amino-3-oxopropyl)-13-[(1S)-1-methylpropyl]-6,9,12,15,18-pentaoxo-1,2-dithia-5,8,11,14,17-pentaazacyclohenicosan-16-yl}carbonyl)-L-prolyl-L-leucylglycinamide
InChIKey	XAHKRIXOARWGHG-DMYRUZCASA-N
SMILES Code	`CCC(C)C1C(=O)NC(C(=O)NC(CSSCC(C(=O)NC(C(=O)N1)CC2=CC=C(C=C2)O)N)C(=O)NC(CCC(=O)N)C(=O)NC(CC(=O)N)C(=O)N3CCCC3C(=O)NC(CC(C)C)C(=O)NCC(=O)N)O`

What are the Mechanisms of Action?

The biochemical pathways and cellular targets of Oxytocin in laboratory research include:

Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) Activation & G_q/11 Coupling: Oxytocin binds with high affinity (K_d ≈ 1 nM) to the class A rhodopsin-like Oxytocin Receptor. Receptor occupancy triggers Gα_q/11-mediated activation of Phospholipase C beta (PLCβ), generating inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃) and diacylglycerol (DAG).
Intracellular Calcium Mobilization & Smooth Muscle Contraction: IP₃ binds ligand-gated calcium channels on the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum, releasing stored Ca²⁺ into the cytosol. Calmodulin binds free Ca²⁺, activating Myosin Light Chain Kinase (MLCK) to drive phosphorylation of myosin light chains and induce smooth muscle or myoepithelial cell contraction.
Central Neuropeptidergic Crosstalk & MAP Kinase Signaling: In central neuronal populations (including the basolateral amygdala and ventral tegmental area), OXTR stimulation couples to G_i/o or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK) cascades, dampening hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis stress responses and modulating dopamine release in reward circuits.

What do Preclinical & Academic Studies Show for Oxytocin?

When evaluating research efficacy and published scientific literature for Oxytocin:

Receptor Transduction & Calcium Signaling (PubMed): Peer-reviewed monographs cataloged on PubMed (PMID: 18801832) detail the crystal structure and G-protein coupling mechanics of OXTR, confirming how intramolecular disulfide integrity governs ligand affinity and downstream PLCβ activation.
Central Oxytocinergic vs Melanocortinergic Pathways (PMC): Comprehensive biomedical reviews archived in PMC (PMC2689929) evaluate the distinct mechanisms between oxytocinergic pathways and melanocortin receptor agonists like PT-141, mapping their complementary roles in central autonomic and behavioral signaling.
Chemical Profiling & Identification (PubChem): Official structural characterization maintained on PubChem verifies the molecular mass (1007.19 g/mol), cyclic disulfide ring topology, and HPLC retention profile of CAS 50-56-6.

How does Oxytocin compare to PT-141 and other neuropeptides?

To evaluate receptor selectivity, signal transduction, and physiological targets, researchers compare Oxytocin against alternative neuropeptide reference standards available at Modern Aminos:

Oxytocin vs PT-141 (Bremelanotide)

While both compounds are investigated for their roles in central nervous system signaling and autonomic neuro-endocrine responses, Oxytocin and PT-141 (Bremelanotide) operate through entirely distinct molecular receptor families:

Oxytocin: A nonapeptide hormone that selectively targets the G_q-coupled Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR). Its activation triggers Phospholipase C (IP₃/DAG) cascades, mobilizing intracellular calcium to stimulate peripheral smooth muscle contraction and central social bonding/anti-stress signaling.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide): A synthetic cyclic peptide derivative of Melanotan II that acts as a selective agonist at central Melanocortin MC₃R and MC₄R receptors. Unlike Oxytocin’s calcium-dependent OXTR pathway, PT-141 activates adenylate cyclase to elevate cAMP levels in hypothalamic dopamine pathways, driving central autonomic arousal independent of vascular pathways.

Compound / Reference	Chemical Class & Structure	Primary Receptor Target	Research Focus & Profile
Oxytocin	Cyclic Nonapeptide (1–6 Disulfide Bridge)	Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) [G_q/11-Coupled]	Focuses on intracellular calcium mobilization, smooth muscle contraction, and central oxytocinergic bonding/stress attenuation
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)	Synthetic Cyclic Heptapeptide	Melanocortin MC₃R & MC₄R [G_s-Coupled]	Focuses on central hypothalamic melanocortinergic signaling, adenylate cyclase/cAMP activation, and autonomic arousal pathways
Melanotan II	Synthetic Cyclic Lactam Analogue	Non-selective MC₁R, MC₃R, MC₄R, MC₅R	Focuses on melanogenesis, skin pigmentation models, and non-selective central melanocortin receptor activation
Kisspeptin-10	Decapeptide Fragment (Kiss-1)	GPR54 (KISS1R) [G_q/11-Coupled]	Focuses on hypothalamic GnRH pulse generation, pituitary gonadotropin (LH/FSH) release, and HPG axis regulation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Modern Aminos a reliable place to buy Oxytocin?

Yes, Modern Aminos is a highly trusted vendor for high-purity research chemicals and reference peptides. Every batch of Oxytocin undergoes strict third-party analytical testing (including HPLC and Mass Spectrometry) to verify minimum 98%+ purity, correct disulfide bridge geometry, exact peptide sequence identity, and complete absence of heavy metals or synthesis impurities.

2. What is the amino acid sequence and molecular structure of Oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide with the primary sequence Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂. An intramolecular disulfide bond links the cysteine residues at positions 1 and 6, forming a 6-amino-acid cyclic ring with a 3-amino-acid C-terminal tail.

3. How does Oxytocin differ from PT-141 (Bremelanotide) in research pathways?

Oxytocin binds G_q-coupled Oxytocin Receptors (OXTR) to trigger intracellular calcium signaling and smooth muscle modulation. PT-141 is a cyclic peptide that targets G_s-coupled central Melanocortin receptors (MC₃R/MC₄R), activating adenylate cyclase and cAMP pathways in hypothalamic dopamine centers.

4. What is the mechanism of intracellular calcium mobilization by Oxytocin?

Upon binding OXTR, Oxytocin activates Phospholipase C (PLC), which cleaves PIP₂ into diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃). IP₃ triggers rapid calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum into the cytoplasm.

5. What available formats does Modern Aminos offer for Oxytocin research?

Modern Aminos supplies Oxytocin in two standardized glass vial formats: a 5MG lyophilized reference powder vial ($29) and a 10MG lyophilized reference powder vial ($36). Both formats feature sealed rubber stoppers to preserve peptide stability.

6. Why is disulfide bridge integrity critical for Oxytocin biological activity?

The disulfide bridge between Cys1 and Cys6 holds the N-terminal ring in the specific rigid conformation required to fit into the ligand-binding pocket of OXTR. Reduction or cleavage of this disulfide bond completely abolishes receptor binding affinity.

7. What are the proper storage and stability parameters for Oxytocin vials?

Unopened lyophilized Oxytocin vials should be stored frozen at -20°C for long-term preservation. Protect from direct light, heat, and moisture. Once reconstituted into liquid solution, store refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C and use within designated laboratory testing windows.

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