Peptide lexicon
Oxytocin
Neurohypophyseal nonapeptide with a disulfide bridge, acting as hormone and neurotransmitter.
| Substance class | Peptide |
|---|---|
| Sequence | CYIQNCPLG-NH2 (Disulfid Cys1–Cys6) |
| CAS number | 50-56-6 |
| Molecular formula | C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂ |
| Molar mass | 1,007.2 g/mol |
| Synonyms | OT |
| PubChem | CID 439302 |
Structure
Oxytocin consists of nine amino acids (CYIQNCPLG-NH₂); the disulfide bridge between Cys1 and Cys6 forms a six-residue ring. It is produced in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary.
State of research
Research covers the oxytocin receptor (G-protein-coupled), smooth-muscle contraction, lactation and central functions such as social behaviour and stress regulation.
Status
Oxytocin is approved as a medicinal substance in obstetrics. The material offered here is a research reagent.
Literature
- The physiology and pharmacology of oxytocin in labor and in the peripartum periodAm J Obstet Gynecol, 2024 · PMID 38462255 · DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.04.011
- AtosibanClin Obstet Gynecol, 1995 · PMID 8616970 · DOI 10.1097/00003081-199538040-00007
- Oxytocin, Neural Plasticity, and Social BehaviorAnnu Rev Neurosci, 2021 · PMID 33823654 · DOI 10.1146/annurev-neuro-102320-102847
- Oxytocin and Food Intake Control: Neural, Behavioral, and Signaling MechanismsInt J Mol Sci, 2021 · PMID 34639199 · DOI 10.3390/ijms221910859
- Oxytocin: physiology, pharmacology, and clinical application for labor managementAm J Obstet Gynecol, 2024 · PMID 37460365 · DOI 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.06.041
