Oxytocin

Oxytocin Overview

Oxytocin is a naturally occurring nonapeptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released through the posterior pituitary. In research settings, it is studied for its role in receptor-mediated signaling across neuroendocrine, reproductive, and central nervous system pathways.

Mechanism of Action & Applications

Oxytocin is studied for agonist activity at the oxytocin receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor involved in calcium-dependent and phospholipase-linked signaling pathways. In laboratory research, this makes it useful for examining uterine and smooth muscle signaling, neuroendocrine communication, social-behavior pathway biology, and broader receptor-mediated peptide signaling. It is commonly used in studies involving reproductive endocrinology, central signaling, stress-response pathways, and peptide-receptor pharmacology.

Research History

Oxytocin has been studied for decades as one of the foundational peptide hormones in endocrinology and neurobiology. Early research focused on its physiologic role in reproductive systems, while later work expanded into its receptor biology, central nervous system signaling, and broader behavioral and neuroendocrine pathway activity.

Chemical Information

CAS Number

50-56-6

Molecular Formula

C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂

Molecular Weight

1,007.19 g/mol

PubChem ID

439302