Oxytocin Research Guide: OXTR Receptor Mechanism & Technical Data
What Is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a nine-amino-acid cyclic neuropeptide (a nonapeptide) with a characteristic intramolecular disulfide bridge. Endogenously it is synthesized in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary, functioning as both a circulating hormone and a central neuromodulator. In research, oxytocin is a widely used reference ligand in studies of social behavior, neuroendocrine signaling, and smooth-muscle physiology.
Mechanism & Research Background
Oxytocin signals through the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a class A G-protein-coupled receptor. OXTR activation couples primarily to Gq/11 proteins, stimulating phospholipase C, generating inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol, and raising intracellular calcium. Peripherally this drives uterine and mammary smooth-muscle contraction; centrally, oxytocinergic projections modulate circuits associated with social recognition, bonding, and stress regulation. Oxytocin shares structural homology with vasopressin, and cross-reactivity between their receptors is an active area of pharmacology research.
Technical Data
| Compound | Oxytocin |
| CAS Number | 50-56-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 1007.19 g/mol |
| Sequence | Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂ (1–6 disulfide bridge) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Target | Oxytocin receptor (OXTR) |
Handling & Storage
Store lyophilized oxytocin at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture. The disulfide-bridged structure is relatively stable but sensitive to heat and prolonged solution storage. Reconstitute with sterile or bacteriostatic water, keep refrigerated at 2–8 °C, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oxytocin a peptide or a steroid?
It is a peptide — specifically a cyclic nonapeptide with a disulfide bond between its two cysteine residues.
What receptor does oxytocin act on?
The oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a Gq-coupled GPCR that raises intracellular calcium upon activation.
How is oxytocin related to vasopressin?
The two are structurally similar nonapeptides differing by only two residues, and they show partial cross-reactivity at each other’s receptors.
Buy Oxytocin for Research
Zama Biosciences offers Oxytocin 5mg for laboratory research. Related neuropeptide research compounds include Selank and DSIP. Browse the full Peptide Research Library for related mechanism guides.
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