Vitality
Oxytocin
Oxytocin
Oxytocin (cyclic nonapeptide)
Research context
Oxytocin is a nonapeptide with an intramolecular disulfide bridge between cysteine residues 1 and 6. Research examines oxytocin receptor binding, cross-reactivity with vasopressin receptors, and downstream signalling in receptor-expressing cell lines.
Common assays: OXTR binding · V1a cross-reactivity · Calcium mobilisation · Receptor internalisation
Specification
| Designation | Oxytocin |
|---|---|
| Full name | Oxytocin (cyclic nonapeptide) |
| Sequence | Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂ (disulfide bridged 1–6) |
| CAS number | 50-56-6 |
| Molecular formula | C43H66N12O12S2 |
| Molecular weight | 1007.19 g/mol |
| Formats | 15 mL Nasal Spray · 15 mL Oral Spray |
| Solubility | Sterile water, bacteriostatic water |
| Storage | Lyophilised: −20 °C. Reconstituted: 2–8 °C. |
Published literature
Selected peer-reviewed references describing research involving this compound. Listed for reference only; inclusion is not a claim about any outcome.
- Gimpl G, Fahrenholz F.The oxytocin receptor system: structure, function, and regulationPhysiological Reviews · 2001 Find on PubMed ↗
Common questions
Why does oxytocin cross-react with vasopressin receptors?
Oxytocin and vasopressin differ by only two residues, so binding assays routinely include vasopressin receptor subtypes to characterise selectivity.
What is the role of the disulfide bridge?
It forms the six-residue ring defining the peptide conformation. Reduction of the bridge abolishes activity, which is why storage conditions limiting reduction matter.
Same pathway
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