Oxytocin Acetate
Also known as OT, Oxytocin acetate
A nine-amino-acid hypothalamic hormone released from the posterior pituitary that drives uterine contraction and milk ejection. It is an approved obstetric drug and is widely studied for roles in social behavior.
Approved drug substance
Size
2 options- Catalog no.
- OT5
- Specification
- 5mg*10vials
- Per kit
- 10 vials
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Buyers must be 21 or older.
Overview
Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide (Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) with a disulfide bridge between its two cysteines. It is synthesized mainly in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary, with additional release within the brain. In 1953 it became the first peptide hormone to be chemically synthesized. Synthetic oxytocin is approved for labor induction and the control of postpartum bleeding. Research on its central effects on trust, bonding, and social cognition has expanded, but several prominent findings have not replicated consistently.
Class: Neurohypophyseal nonapeptide hormone
Mechanism of action
How the compound acts, as described in the literature.
Acts on the oxytocin receptor, a class I G protein-coupled receptor coupled mainly through Gq to phospholipase C-beta; high-affinity binding requires magnesium and cholesterol (Gimpl 2001).
Stimulates myometrial contraction during labor and myoepithelial contraction for milk ejection; myometrial receptor density rises sharply before the onset of labor.
Receptor expression and function are strongly steroid-dependent, linking oxytocin signaling to estrogen and progesterone status.
Central oxytocin receptors are studied for roles in social recognition, attachment, and stress responses; at high concentrations oxytocin can also activate vasopressin receptors.
Published research
Selected studies, each linked to its PubMed record. Summaries describe what the studies reported.
2001
Review
PMID 11274341The oxytocin receptor system: structure, function, and regulation.
Gimpl G, Fahrenholz F. · Physiol Rev
Comprehensive review of the oxytocin receptor: its Gq/phospholipase C coupling, allosteric dependence on magnesium and cholesterol, steroid regulation, and roles in parturition, lactation, and other reproductive and behavioral functions.
2005
Controlled human study
PMID 15931222Oxytocin increases trust in humans.
Kosfeld M, et al. · Nature
In an investment game, participants given oxytocin showed more trust than those given placebo, without a general increase in risk-taking. A 2015 critical review concluded this finding has not replicated well.
2021
Phase 2 RCT
PMID 34644471Intranasal Oxytocin in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Sikich L, et al. · N Engl J Med
In 290 children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, 24 weeks of oxytocin did not differ from placebo on social withdrawal scores or secondary social and cognitive measures; adverse events were similar.
Evidence & safety
What the research does not show, and the adverse events and regulatory status it reports.
In obstetric use, documented risks include excessive uterine activity (tachysystole) that can compromise fetal oxygenation and, through its antidiuretic effect, water intoxication with hyponatremia in mothers and newborns. US labeling states it is not indicated for elective induction of labor. Behavioral findings have replicated poorly: a 2015 critical review found the trust effect not robust, and a phase 2 autism trial found no difference from placebo.
Specifications
All sizes, exactly as catalogued.
| Catalog no. | Product | Specification | Vials per kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| OT5 | Oxytocin Acetate | 5mg*10vials | 10 |
| OT10 | Oxytocin Acetate | 10mg*10vials | 10 |
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Research summaries are provided for educational purposes and do not describe this product’s use.