Oxytocin is a synthetic form of naturally occurring hypothalamic hormone. After secretion, oxytocin is released into the blood circulation by the pituitary gland. The polypeptide molecule contains 9 amino acids. In 1953, oxytocin was first synthesized by the scientists, and it is one earliest sequenced peptide molecules. The prime role of oxytocin is neuromodulation in the brain. Additionally, the hormone tends to increase trust, human bonding, empathy, romantic attraction and decrease fear. Research studies are being conducted to investigate the role in human behaviors including social and emotional recognition, pair bonding, anxiety and sexual orgasm. The molecular mass of the synthetic hormone is 1007.9 Daltons and molecular formula is C43H66N12O12S2.

Oxytocin is synthesized as an active precursor from the popular OXT gene, the structure is similar to vasopressin, and however they differ in the sequence by two amino acids. Vasopressin and oxytocin are the only known human hormones, which acts distally, although others act locally such as dynorphin and corticotropin-releasing hormone. Oxytocin receptors are a G-coupled protein receptor, which requires cholesterol and magnesium ions to function optimally. Research reveals that oxytocin has trust inducing properties and it can help individuals who suffer from social anxieties and mood disorders. Oxytocin has a similar structure to vasopressin , however vasopressin has antagonistic properties to the hormone production. Recent research papers show that oxytocin may have a role in autism, it can be effective in treating affilliative and repetitive behaviors seen in autism. However, the hormone is destroyed in the gastric tract, it has a half-life of 3 minutes, and it does not enter the brain because of the blood brain barrier. In the hypothalamic gland, the hormone is biosynthesized in the magnocellular neurosecretory cells located on the paraventricular nuclei and supraoptic nuclei.

Oxytocin Chemical Profile

CAS: 50-56-6
Formula: C43H66N12O12S2
Molecular weight: 1007.2
Peptide purity: > 98.0%
Chain: c[Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys]-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2