What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a naturally occurring cyclic nonapeptide (nine amino acids) with the sequence Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2, closed by a disulfide bridge between the first and sixth cysteine residues. It is a mammalian neurohypophysial hormone produced in the hypothalamus. GenoPept supplies Oxytocin in the UK as a lyophilised powder for laboratory research.
Oxytocin is one of the most widely studied neuropeptides, investigated for reported roles in social behaviour, bonding and smooth-muscle signalling in preclinical models. Its compact cyclic structure and well-defined receptor make it a common reference peptide in neuroscience and physiology research.
Oxytocin research applications
Published preclinical research on Oxytocin spans several model-based areas, listed here for scientific context only.
- Social behaviour: studied in animal models of bonding and social recognition.
- Neuroendocrine signalling: investigated for reported effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.
- Smooth-muscle physiology: examined for reported effects on uterine and mammary tissue in models.
- Receptor pharmacology: used as a reference ligand at the oxytocin receptor.
Mechanism of action (preclinical)
Oxytocin acts through the oxytocin receptor, a G-protein-coupled receptor, and in preclinical studies is reported to trigger phospholipase C signalling and intracellular calcium release. Through central oxytocin-receptor pathways it is reported in animal models to modulate social and stress-related behaviour, while in peripheral tissues it is reported to influence smooth-muscle contraction. It shares structural similarity with vasopressin and shows some cross-reactivity in assays, so researchers often include receptor-selectivity controls when studying it. These are laboratory observations, not statements about effects in people.
Oxytocin product specifications
| Compound | Oxytocin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | OT, oxytocin nonapeptide |
| Sequence / class | Cyclic nonapeptide (Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2, Cys1-Cys6 disulfide) |
| CAS number | 50-56-6 |
| Molecular formula | C43H66N12O12S2 |
| Molecular weight | 1007.19 g/mol |
| Form | Lyophilised powder |
| Available sizes | 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg |
| Purity | Batch-specific; see applicable report |
| Verification | Batch-specific; see applicable report |
| Storage (unopened) | –20 °C long term, protected from light |
| Intended use | In-vitro laboratory research only |
Available sizes
- Oxytocin 2mg vial
- Oxytocin 5mg vial
- Oxytocin 10mg vial
Oxytocin is offered in the vial sizes listed above for UK research laboratories. Wholesale boxes of 10 vials are available through GenoPept for teams running larger studies, with tiered savings on bulk orders. See the bulk and wholesale page for details.
Reconstitution, handling and storage (laboratory)
Oxytocin is supplied as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed sterile glass vial with a black cap. For laboratory reconstitution, add bacteriostatic water or a suitable sterile diluent slowly down the inner vial wall, then swirl gently until dissolved. Never shake the vial, as agitation can shear the peptide.
Store unopened vials at –20 °C for long-term stability, or at 2–8 °C for short periods, protected from light. After reconstitution, keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within the window stated in the laboratory protocol. See the GenoPept guides on how to reconstitute research peptides and how to store research peptides.
Quality assurance and Certificate of Analysis
Purity and identity results are batch-specific. Consult the applicable supplied report for its results and methods; confirm the batch covers current stock and verify the laboratory’s accreditation scope directly.
The matching Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available from the “View Certificate of Analysis” button on this page, and the full library is published at the GenoPept COA certificates page. Learn more about what a Certificate of Analysis shows and the UK legal status of research peptides.
Related research compounds
- Kisspeptin-10 — a reproductive-axis peptide studied in neuroendocrine research.
- Selank — a tuftsin-derived anxiolytic research peptide.
- Semax — a nootropic ACTH(4-10) research peptide.
- DSIP — a neuropeptide studied in sleep and stress-response research.
Oxytocin frequently asked questions
What is Oxytocin used for in research?
Oxytocin is used in laboratory research to study social behaviour, neuroendocrine signalling, smooth-muscle physiology and oxytocin-receptor pharmacology in cell-culture and animal models. As a well-defined nonapeptide it is a common reference ligand. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro research and is not intended for human use, diagnosis or therapy.
How is Oxytocin supplied and what is its purity?
Purity and identity results are batch-specific. Consult the applicable supplied report for its results and methods; confirm the batch covers current stock and verify the laboratory’s accreditation scope directly.
How should Oxytocin be stored?
Store unopened Oxytocin vials at –20 °C for long-term stability, or at 2–8 °C for short periods, protected from light. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water or sterile diluent, keep the solution at 2–8 °C and use it within the window stated in the laboratory protocol, as the cyclic peptide is sensitive to prolonged storage in solution.
Is Oxytocin for human use?
No. Oxytocin from GenoPept is a research chemical supplied for in-vitro laboratory research only. It is not a medicine, not for human or veterinary use, and not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. All handling should be performed by qualified personnel in a controlled laboratory setting in line with UK research guidance.
What is the structure of Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide with the sequence Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2, closed by a disulfide bridge between the cysteine residues at positions one and six. This ring structure is essential to its binding at the oxytocin receptor and distinguishes it from the closely related peptide vasopressin in research assays.
Research use only. This product is supplied for in-vitro laboratory research only. It is not for human or veterinary use, is not a medicine, and is not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Handling should be carried out only by qualified personnel in an appropriate laboratory setting.
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