Research Disclaimer: This content discusses research peptides for scientific investigation only. These compounds are not approved for human consumption, medical use, or therapeutic applications. Information presented is for educational purposes and should not be construed as medical advice.
Oxytocin is a well-studied neuropeptide that has garnered significant attention in neuroscience and behavioral research. Originally identified for its role in reproductive physiology, this 9-amino acid peptide has become a valuable tool for investigating social behavior, stress response, and neural signaling pathways.
Molecular Structure and Properties
Oxytocin (OT) is a cyclic nonapeptide with the sequence Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂. The disulfide bridge between the two cysteine residues at positions 1 and 6 creates a cyclic structure essential for receptor binding and biological activity.
Key molecular characteristics:
Molecular weight: 1007.19 g/mol
Formula: C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂
Half-life: 3-5 minutes in circulation
Synthesized in hypothalamus, released from posterior pituitary
Research Applications
Oxytocin has been investigated across multiple research domains due to its diverse physiological effects and central nervous system activity.
Social Behavior Research
Numerous studies have explored oxytocin’s influence on social cognition and interpersonal behavior. Research indicates this peptide modulates:
Social recognition and memory formation
Trust and cooperative behavior in experimental settings
Parent-offspring bonding in animal models
Response to social stress and isolation
Neuroscience Applications
Investigators utilize oxytocin in studies examining:
Neural circuit function in limbic system regions
Stress response pathway modulation
Anxiety-related behaviors in rodent models
Autism spectrum research in controlled settings
Behavioral Pharmacology
Oxytocin serves as a research tool for investigating:
Reward pathway activation and dopamine interactions
Fear response and extinction learning
Social attachment mechanisms
Feeding behavior and metabolic signaling
Mechanisms of Action
Oxytocin exerts its effects primarily through the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a G-protein coupled receptor expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Receptor activation triggers multiple intracellular signaling cascades:
Gq/11 pathway: Increases intracellular calcium and activates protein kinase C
MAPK signaling: Influences gene expression and cellular responses
Calcium mobilization: Affects neurotransmitter release and cellular excitability
Research Considerations
Handling and Storage
Oxytocin peptide requires careful handling to maintain stability:
Store lyophilized powder at -20°C or below
Reconstitute with sterile water or appropriate buffer
Use immediately after reconstitution when possible
Store reconstituted solutions at 4°C for short-term use (up to 1 week)
For longer storage, aliquot and freeze at -80°C
Experimental Design Notes
Researchers should consider several factors when designing experiments with oxytocin:
Route of administration: Intranasal, intravenous, and intracerebroventricular routes show different bioavailability and central effects
Timing: Short half-life requires careful timing of behavioral assessments
Sex differences: Effects may vary significantly between male and female subjects
Species variation: Receptor distribution and behavioral responses differ across species
Current Research Directions
Recent studies have expanded understanding of oxytocin’s role in various physiological processes:
Investigation of OXTR gene variants and individual differences in social behavior
Exploration of oxytocin-vasopressin system interactions
Study of peripheral vs. central oxytocin effects
Research into oxytocin’s role in pain perception and analgesia
Examination of developmental effects of early oxytocin exposure
Purity and Quality Considerations
For reliable research outcomes, peptide purity is critical. High-quality oxytocin should meet the following standards:
Minimum purity: ≥98% by HPLC
Verified identity by mass spectrometry
Certificate of analysis from third-party testing
Proper storage and handling throughout supply chain
Summary
Oxytocin represents a valuable research tool for investigating social behavior, neurobiology, and stress physiology. Its well-characterized receptor system and diverse effects make it useful across multiple experimental paradigms. Researchers should ensure proper handling, storage, and experimental design to obtain reliable and reproducible results.
Important: Oxytocin is intended for research purposes only and is not approved for human use, medical applications, or therapeutic interventions.
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Oxytocin Peptide: Essential Neuropeptide for Research Applications
Research Disclaimer: This content discusses research peptides for scientific investigation only. These compounds are not approved for human consumption, medical use, or therapeutic applications. Information presented is for educational purposes and should not be construed as medical advice.
Oxytocin is a well-studied neuropeptide that has garnered significant attention in neuroscience and behavioral research. Originally identified for its role in reproductive physiology, this 9-amino acid peptide has become a valuable tool for investigating social behavior, stress response, and neural signaling pathways.
Molecular Structure and Properties
Oxytocin (OT) is a cyclic nonapeptide with the sequence Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂. The disulfide bridge between the two cysteine residues at positions 1 and 6 creates a cyclic structure essential for receptor binding and biological activity.
Key molecular characteristics:
Research Applications
Oxytocin has been investigated across multiple research domains due to its diverse physiological effects and central nervous system activity.
Social Behavior Research
Numerous studies have explored oxytocin’s influence on social cognition and interpersonal behavior. Research indicates this peptide modulates:
Neuroscience Applications
Investigators utilize oxytocin in studies examining:
Behavioral Pharmacology
Oxytocin serves as a research tool for investigating:
Mechanisms of Action
Oxytocin exerts its effects primarily through the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a G-protein coupled receptor expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Receptor activation triggers multiple intracellular signaling cascades:
Research Considerations
Handling and Storage
Oxytocin peptide requires careful handling to maintain stability:
Experimental Design Notes
Researchers should consider several factors when designing experiments with oxytocin:
Current Research Directions
Recent studies have expanded understanding of oxytocin’s role in various physiological processes:
Purity and Quality Considerations
For reliable research outcomes, peptide purity is critical. High-quality oxytocin should meet the following standards:
Summary
Oxytocin represents a valuable research tool for investigating social behavior, neurobiology, and stress physiology. Its well-characterized receptor system and diverse effects make it useful across multiple experimental paradigms. Researchers should ensure proper handling, storage, and experimental design to obtain reliable and reproducible results.
Important: Oxytocin is intended for research purposes only and is not approved for human use, medical applications, or therapeutic interventions.
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