Oxytocin (CAS 50-56-6) is a synthetic cyclic nonapeptide neurohormone with the molecular formula C43H66N12O12S2 and a molecular weight of 1007.19 g/mol. Defined by the amino acid sequence Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2, Oxytocin features a characteristic intramolecular disulfide bridge between Cys1 and Cys6 that forms a 20-membered tocin ring, a structural motif shared with the structurally related neurohormone vasopressin. Produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis, Oxytocin signals through the Oxytocin receptor (OTR), a class I G protein-coupled receptor, and is one of the most extensively studied neuropeptides in biomedical research.

Oxytocin has been extensively investigated in preclinical neuroscience, reproductive endocrinology, and behavioural pharmacology as one of the most widely studied signalling peptides across these disciplines. Its receptor, OTR, has been documented in published studies as expressed throughout the central nervous system, uterine myometrium, mammary tissue, and multiple peripheral organ systems. In vitro studies in human myometrial cell preparations have characterised OTR-mediated Gq/11-coupled phospholipase C activation and intracellular calcium mobilisation, documenting phosphoinositide hydrolysis as a primary downstream readout of OTR signalling and characterising the pertussis toxin-insensitive G-protein mechanism of PLC engagement in peripheral uterine cell preparations [1]. In vivo rodent studies have investigated central Oxytocin signalling within hypothalamic circuits, documenting activity-dependent neuropeptide release dynamics from the dendritic compartments of hypothalamic oxytocinergic neurons and characterising the role of intracellular calcium stores in regulating neuropeptide release under varied experimental conditions within hypothalamic circuitry [2], making Oxytocin a key reference compound in neuropeptide research examining OTR-mediated signalling across central and peripheral biological systems.

Oxytocin is manufactured in a cGMP compliant laboratory to a guaranteed purity of 98% or above. Every batch is independently tested using HPLC and MS-UPLC analysis before dispatch. Vials are vacuum sealed and stored in a temperature controlled, monitored cold storage system. Certificates of Analysis are available on request.

Sold strictly for in vitro research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Intended for use by qualified researchers in laboratory settings only.

Editorial Team

Dr. Martina Rossi, PhD

Scientific Contributor and Reviewer

Reviewed and approved 14 June 2026

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