What Oxytocin is
Oxytocin is a naturally occurring cyclic nonapeptide hormone synthesised in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. It is one of the most extensively studied peptides in mammalian physiology.
Molecular information
- Sequence: Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂ (cyclic via disulfide between the two Cys residues)
- Number of residues: 9
- Approximate monoisotopic mass: ~1007 Da (as the free acid)
- Physical form: Typically supplied as a white lyophilised powder
Areas of published research
The oxytocin literature is vast, spanning reproductive biology, lactation, social-behaviour neuroscience, cardiovascular research and pain modulation. The disulfide bond is critical to the peptide's activity and identity — LC-MS should confirm the oxidised (cyclic) form; a reduced open-chain by-product will differ by +2 Da and have distinct chromatographic behaviour.
Analytical considerations
Standard research-peptide analytical checks apply: identity confirmation by mass spectrometry (see LC-MS peptide testing explained), purity assessment by reversed-phase HPLC at 214 nm (see what is HPLC peptide testing), and batch-specific documentation (see how to read a peptide COA). Refer to the Peptovia Research Certificate of Analysis page for live examples of the analytical format used for batches supplied.
Further reading
Peer-reviewed literature on Oxytocin is accessible via PubMed and specialist journals. Readers are encouraged to evaluate primary sources directly rather than relying on secondary summaries.
Research Use Only. This profile is an educational overview of Oxytocin as a research peptide. It does not describe or recommend human, veterinary or clinical use. Peptovia Research supplies Oxytocin strictly for in-vitro laboratory research. No dosing, administration or therapeutic guidance is provided or implied.