Oxytocin is a naturally occurring cyclic nonapeptide hormone that has become a widely used tool for investigating neuropeptide signaling, social and affiliative behavior models, and smooth-muscle physiology. For research teams working on receptor pharmacology and behavioral neuroscience, it offers a well-characterized ligand with a long history in the peer-reviewed literature. Puritide Research supplies Oxytocin as a high-purity, research-use-only material, synthesized for in vitro and animal-model work and backed by third-party-verified certificates of analysis so your data rests on consistent, documented quality.
Available Sizes
- ›Oxytocin 5 mg Vial
- ›Oxytocin 10 mg Vial
Product Specifications
- Application
- Oxytocin receptor signaling, neuropeptide, and smooth-muscle physiology research
- Appearance
- Solid, white lyophilized powder in a sealed glass vial
- Chemical Formula
- C43H66N12O12S2
- PubChem SID
- 439302
- CAS Number
- 50-56-6
- Molecular Weight
- ~1007.19 g/mol
- Synonyms
- Oxytocin, OT, OXT, Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2, alpha-hypophamine
- Storage
- Store at ≤25°C, sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. For extended storage, keep lyophilized and refrigerated or frozen.
What Is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a cyclic nine-amino-acid peptide (sequence Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) featuring a disulfide bridge between the two cysteine residues that forms a characteristic 20-membered ring with a short C-terminal tripeptide tail. It is synthesized in the hypothalamus and is one of the most extensively studied neuropeptides in the scientific literature.
In experimental settings, Oxytocin is used as a reference agonist for the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a class A G-protein-coupled receptor, and to probe overlapping activity at vasopressin receptor subtypes. Researchers apply it across receptor-binding assays, cell-signaling studies, and animal models of social behavior and smooth-muscle contractility.
Present understanding derives from in vitro assays, animal models, and human research conducted by academic groups. Findings should be interpreted within their experimental context. Puritide Research supplies Oxytocin strictly for laboratory use; it is not approved here for human or veterinary application.
Oxytocin Mechanism of Action (Research Only)
Oxytocin is studied for its engagement of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) and its cross-reactivity with vasopressin receptor subtypes. The mechanisms below reflect observations from biochemical assays, cell-culture studies, and animal models, and should be read strictly in a research context.
Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) Signaling
OXTR is a G-protein-coupled receptor that, upon ligand engagement, is classically coupled to Gq/11 proteins, activating phospholipase C and downstream inositol trisphosphate and intracellular calcium signaling. In experimental systems, researchers use Oxytocin to characterize these cascades and to study receptor desensitization and internalization dynamics.
Because the ligand can also interact with vasopressin receptors, Oxytocin is frequently used in comparative pharmacology to map selectivity profiles and to distinguish OXTR-specific responses from cross-reactive signaling under controlled conditions.
Structural Basis
The intramolecular disulfide bond between Cys1 and Cys6 constrains the peptide into a rigid ring that is important for receptor recognition. In research on structure-activity relationships, this conformational constraint is examined to understand how ring geometry and the exposed tail residues contribute to binding affinity and functional potency.
Oxytocin Research Applications
Oxytocin is investigated across neuroscience, endocrinology, and physiology studies as a well-characterized neuropeptide ligand. The observations below derive from biochemical studies, cell-based assays, and animal models, and should be interpreted within their respective settings.
Behavioral Neuroscience & Social Signaling Models
A prominent application is the use of Oxytocin in animal models exploring social recognition, pair-bonding, and affiliative behavior, where it serves as a probe for central OXTR signaling. Researchers examine dosing paradigms, receptor distribution, and behavioral readouts to characterize the neuropeptide's role in model systems.
Oxytocin is also employed in stress-response and anxiety-model research, where investigators study its interaction with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal signaling pathways in controlled experimental designs.
Smooth-Muscle Physiology & Receptor Pharmacology
Oxytocin is a classic reference agonist in uterine and mammary smooth-muscle contractility studies performed in isolated-tissue and cell-culture preparations. It is used to calibrate assay systems and to benchmark novel OXTR ligands and antagonists in comparative pharmacology, without establishing physiological or therapeutic conclusions.
Laboratory Safety & Handling (Research Use Only)
Oxytocin is a synthetic, lyophilized research peptide for laboratory investigation only. It should be handled by qualified personnel in controlled environments, in accordance with institutional policies, laboratory safety procedures, and applicable regulations. As a research material, laboratories should implement practices that prioritize material integrity, traceability, and reproducibility.
Handling & Storage Guidelines
Follow institutional SOPs, chemical hygiene plans, and approved protocols; wear appropriate PPE (lab coat, gloves, eye protection); and use engineering controls where required. Record lot numbers, storage conditions, and handling activities, and retain Certificates of Analysis and batch documentation to support traceability and audit readiness.
Store material under the conditions specified in product documentation, protected from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Because the peptide contains a disulfide bond, minimize exposure to reducing agents and repeated freeze-thaw cycles when preparing working solutions. Maintain consistent conditions throughout the study period and monitor storage records as part of quality assurance.
Certificate of Analysis & Quality Assurance
Each Oxytocin batch ships with a third-party-verified Certificate of Analysis, providing transparent, research-grade quality control. The CoA includes a purity assessment (HPLC / reverse-phase chromatography), mass-spectrometry identity confirmation, and lot number, testing date, and method documentation.
Researchers may request sample CoAs (PDF) ahead of purchase to confirm testing parameters, analytical methods, and batch consistency, and are encouraged to perform independent verification.
Research Use Only
