Oxytocin (Endopituitrina) is a natural 9 amino acid peptide hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary. It also acts as a central neurotransmitter via a positive feedback mechanism, where initial secretion leads to increasingly intense release.
OVERVIEW
Oxytocin binds to G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) to increase intracellular calcium levels, inducing uterine contractions during labor via a positive feedback mechanism. It also stimulates myoepithelial cells of the mammary glands for milk ejection.
In the central nervous system, oxytocin modulates dopaminergic activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens, potentially influencing motivation, reward, and neuroplasticity.
RESEARCH AREAS
Dopamine signaling — modulation of dopamine release in VTA/nucleus accumbens; interaction with glutamatergic and GABAergic pathways.
Neuroplasticity — GPCR engagement increasing intracellular calcium; potential impact on neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and emerging neural circuits.
Parturition — induction of uterine contractions (positive feedback mechanism); clinical study on 252 subjects: impact on cesarean deliveries based on administration duration.
Social behavior — study on 59 autistic subjects (6–11 years): improvement in VABS score following elevation of plasma oxytocin levels.
CHEMICAL DATA
| Molecular formula | C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂ |
| Molecular weight | 1,007.19 g/mol |
| Other names | Endopituitrina, Cyclic nonapeptide |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | >99% HPLC |
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