What is Oxytocin and its mechanism of action?

Oxytocin is a nine-amino acid neuropeptide hormone (Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) with a disulfide bridge between cysteine residues at positions 1 and 6. Oxytocin functions as a potent oxytocin receptor (OXTR) agonist, activating G-protein coupled receptors that modulate intracellular calcium mobilization, smooth muscle contraction, and complex neuroendocrine signaling cascades. In the central nervous system, oxytocin influences social bonding, trust behaviors, maternal attachment, and stress response regulation through limbic system and hypothalamic pathways. Peripherally, oxytocin induces uterine smooth muscle contraction during labor and myoepithelial cell contraction for milk ejection during lactation. This dual central-peripheral mechanism makes Oxytocin essential for investigating social neuroscience, reproductive physiology, oxytocin receptor pharmacology, and neuroendocrine regulation in laboratory research models.

What research applications benefit from Oxytocin studies?

Oxytocin excels in social bonding and attachment research, oxytocin receptor (OXTR) signaling pathway studies, maternal behavior and lactation mechanism investigations, uterine contractility and parturition research, stress response and HPA axis modulation analysis, trust and social cognition neuroscience, comparative neuropeptide studies (oxytocin vs vasopressin), autism spectrum disorder social deficit research, anxiety and fear regulation pathway studies, and reproductive endocrinology research. Ideal for laboratories investigating social neuroscience, neuroendocrinology, reproductive biology, and oxytocin receptor pharmacology across central and peripheral systems.

What purity and quality standards does your Oxytocin meet?

Our Oxytocin exceeds >98% purity verified by HPLC analysis with detection of the characteristic cyclic structure containing the disulfide bridge. Each batch undergoes mass spectrometry molecular weight confirmation (1007.2 Da), amino acid sequence verification (Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2), disulfide bridge integrity testing, bioactivity testing using uterine smooth muscle contraction assays or oxytocin receptor binding assays, endotoxin screening (<0.1 EU/mg), and comprehensive Certificate of Analysis documentation. The high purity and intact cyclic structure ensure reproducible oxytocin receptor activation without degradation products or linear (inactive) peptide contaminants.

Can Oxytocin be used in comparative social neuroscience research?

Absolutely! Oxytocin serves as a reference neuropeptide in comparative studies against vasopressin (structurally similar but functionally distinct), investigating receptor selectivity (OXTR vs V1aR), comparing social bonding peptides across species, studying structure-activity relationships of neuropeptides affecting social behavior, examining oxytocin vs serotonin/dopamine in social reward pathways, and investigating differential central vs peripheral oxytocin effects in laboratory social behavior and neuroendocrine models. Researchers frequently pair Oxytocin with oxytocin receptor antagonists to dissect receptor-specific behavioral effects.

How should Oxytocin be stored and reconstituted?

Store lyophilized Oxytocin at -20°C in original sealed vials for 24+ months stability. The cyclic disulfide structure provides excellent stability in lyophilized form. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water or sterile saline by adding solvent slowly down vial wall, then gently swirl (never shake) until completely dissolved at 0.5-2 mg/mL concentration. Refrigerate reconstituted solution at 2-8°C and use within 7-10 days (shorter than linear peptides due to oxidation sensitivity). Avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles and protect from light to preserve disulfide bridge integrity and oxytocin receptor binding bioactivity. For long-term studies, aliquot into single-use vials immediately after reconstitution.

What makes Oxytocin unique for social bonding research?

Oxytocin is the primary neuropeptide regulating social bonding, maternal attachment, and trust behaviors across mammalian species. Unlike dopamine (reward) or serotonin (mood), oxytocin specifically facilitates social recognition, parent-offspring bonding, pair bonding, and prosocial behaviors through limbic and hypothalamic pathways. Its dual central (brain) and peripheral (uterus, mammary) effects make it invaluable for investigating neuro-endocrine integration. The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) distribution in social brain regions (amygdala, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex) enables precise investigation of social neuroscience mechanisms, autism-related social deficits, and attachment disorders in behavioral neuroscience research.

What dosage variants and pricing are available for Oxytocin?

We offer 2 specification options: OT5 (5mg per 10-vial kit) and OT10 (10mg per 10-vial kit). Pricing: OT5 at $90/kit (1 kit), $85 (20+ kits), $80 (50+ kits). OT10 at $120/kit (1 kit), $115 (20+ kits), $110 (50+ kits). Bulk orders of 20+ kits receive ~5-6% discount, and 50+ kits receive ~11-12% savings. The concentration range supports pilot social behavior studies through extensive dose-response neuroendocrine research. Contact via WhatsApp for custom quantity requirements for large-scale behavioral neuroscience or reproductive biology projects requiring oxytocin.

How does Oxytocin's disulfide bridge affect its research applications?

The intramolecular disulfide bridge between cysteine residues at positions 1 and 6 creates a cyclic six-amino acid loop critical for oxytocin receptor binding and biological activity. This cyclic structure confers receptor selectivity for OXTR vs vasopressin receptors, stabilizes the bioactive conformation enabling high-affinity receptor binding, and provides moderate chemical stability. However, the disulfide bridge is susceptible to reduction (breaking) or oxidation (degradation), requiring researchers to use reducing-agent-free buffers, protect from prolonged light exposure, maintain acidic to neutral pH (4-7), and avoid metal ion contamination. Mass spectrometry and bioactivity assays in our CoA confirm disulfide bridge integrity ensuring authentic oxytocin receptor activation in your research.

What bioactivity assays validate Oxytocin's receptor binding and physiological effects?

Beyond chemical purity (HPLC/mass spec), we perform dual bioactivity testing: (1) Uterine smooth muscle contraction assays (classical oxytocin bioassay) measuring contractile response in isolated uterine tissue preparations, quantifying oxytocin potency in International Units (IU), and (2) Oxytocin receptor binding assays using OXTR-expressing cell lines, measuring receptor occupancy and downstream signaling (calcium mobilization, IP3 production). These functional assays confirm oxytocin's biological activity for uterine contractility research and oxytocin receptor pharmacology. CoA includes bioactivity results ensuring physiologically relevant oxytocin receptor activation matching natural oxytocin potency.

What shipping methods and documentation support Oxytocin research?

We ship Oxytocin in lyophilized form with cold pack insulation in sealed packaging. The cyclic disulfide structure provides good stability at ambient temperature for short periods (up to 5 days), but cold packs minimize oxidative degradation. International delivery typically takes 10-14 days with tracking. Each batch includes comprehensive CoA with: HPLC chromatogram showing >98% purity with cyclic peptide peak, mass spectrometry confirming molecular weight (1007.2 Da), amino acid sequence verification, disulfide bridge integrity data, dual bioactivity assay results (uterine contraction potency in IU + oxytocin receptor binding affinity), endotoxin testing, batch number, manufacturing date, and storage recommendations. Transfer to -20°C immediately upon receipt. Light-protective packaging preserves disulfide integrity during international shipping.

Home ProductsOxytocin Acetate

Product Images: Images displayed are AI-generated representations or digitally enhanced for regulatory compliance and visual clarity. Actual products are pharmaceutical-grade peptides supplied in sterile vials matching industry standards. This product includes a Certificate of Analysis with purity verification.

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Oxytocin Acetate

Q: Can Oxytocin be used in comparative social neuroscience research?

Absolutely! Oxytocin serves as a reference neuropeptide in comparative studies against vasopressin (structurally similar but functionally distinct), investigating receptor selectivity (OXTR vs V1aR), comparing social bonding peptides across species, studying structure-activity relationships of neuropeptides affecting social behavior, examining oxytocin vs serotonin/dopamine in social reward pathways, and investigating differential central vs peripheral oxytocin effects in laboratory social behavior and neuroendocrine models. Researchers frequently pair Oxytocin with oxytocin receptor antagonists to dissect receptor-specific behavioral effects.

Q: How should Oxytocin be stored and reconstituted?

Store lyophilized Oxytocin at -20°C in original sealed vials for 24+ months stability. The cyclic disulfide structure provides excellent stability in lyophilized form. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water or sterile saline by adding solvent slowly down vial wall, then gently swirl (never shake) until completely dissolved at 0.5-2 mg/mL concentration. Refrigerate reconstituted solution at 2-8°C and use within 7-10 days (shorter than linear peptides due to oxidation sensitivity). Avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles and protect from light to preserve disulfide bridge integrity and oxytocin receptor binding bioactivity. For long-term studies, aliquot into single-use vials immediately after reconstitution.

Q: What makes Oxytocin unique for social bonding research?

Oxytocin is the primary neuropeptide regulating social bonding, maternal attachment, and trust behaviors across mammalian species. Unlike dopamine (reward) or serotonin (mood), oxytocin specifically facilitates social recognition, parent-offspring bonding, pair bonding, and prosocial behaviors through limbic and hypothalamic pathways. Its dual central (brain) and peripheral (uterus, mammary) effects make it invaluable for investigating neuro-endocrine integration. The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) distribution in social brain regions (amygdala, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex) enables precise investigation of social neuroscience mechanisms, autism-related social deficits, and attachment disorders in behavioral neuroscience research.

Q: What dosage variants and pricing are available for Oxytocin?

We offer 2 specification options: OT5 (5mg per 10-vial kit) and OT10 (10mg per 10-vial kit). Pricing: OT5 at $90/kit (1 kit), $85 (20+ kits), $80 (50+ kits). OT10 at $120/kit (1 kit), $115 (20+ kits), $110 (50+ kits). Bulk orders of 20+ kits receive ~5-6% discount, and 50+ kits receive ~11-12% savings. The concentration range supports pilot social behavior studies through extensive dose-response neuroendocrine research. Contact via WhatsApp for custom quantity requirements for large-scale behavioral neuroscience or reproductive biology projects requiring oxytocin.

Q: How does Oxytocin's disulfide bridge affect its research applications?

The intramolecular disulfide bridge between cysteine residues at positions 1 and 6 creates a cyclic six-amino acid loop critical for oxytocin receptor binding and biological activity. This cyclic structure confers receptor selectivity for OXTR vs vasopressin receptors, stabilizes the bioactive conformation enabling high-affinity receptor binding, and provides moderate chemical stability. However, the disulfide bridge is susceptible to reduction (breaking) or oxidation (degradation), requiring researchers to use reducing-agent-free buffers, protect from prolonged light exposure, maintain acidic to neutral pH (4-7), and avoid metal ion contamination. Mass spectrometry and bioactivity assays in our CoA confirm disulfide bridge integrity ensuring authentic oxytocin receptor activation in your research.

Q: What bioactivity assays validate Oxytocin's receptor binding and physiological effects?

Beyond chemical purity (HPLC/mass spec), we perform dual bioactivity testing: (1) Uterine smooth muscle contraction assays (classical oxytocin bioassay) measuring contractile response in isolated uterine tissue preparations, quantifying oxytocin potency in International Units (IU), and (2) Oxytocin receptor binding assays using OXTR-expressing cell lines, measuring receptor occupancy and downstream signaling (calcium mobilization, IP3 production). These functional assays confirm oxytocin's biological activity for uterine contractility research and oxytocin receptor pharmacology. CoA includes bioactivity results ensuring physiologically relevant oxytocin receptor activation matching natural oxytocin potency.

Q: What shipping methods and documentation support Oxytocin research?

We ship Oxytocin in lyophilized form with cold pack insulation in sealed packaging. The cyclic disulfide structure provides good stability at ambient temperature for short periods (up to 5 days), but cold packs minimize oxidative degradation. International delivery typically takes 10-14 days with tracking. Each batch includes comprehensive CoA with: HPLC chromatogram showing >98% purity with cyclic peptide peak, mass spectrometry confirming molecular weight (1007.2 Da), amino acid sequence verification, disulfide bridge integrity data, dual bioactivity assay results (uterine contraction potency in IU + oxytocin receptor binding affinity), endotoxin testing, batch number, manufacturing date, and storage recommendations. Transfer to -20°C immediately upon receipt. Light-protective packaging preserves disulfide integrity during international shipping.

For research and laboratory use only. Not for human consumption.

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FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY. This product is strictly for laboratory and research use. Not for human consumption, medical treatment, or any clinical application. By ordering, you confirm you are a qualified researcher or represent a legitimate research institution.

Oxytocin Acetate: Key Facts

Oxytocin Acetate is a hormone support research peptide supplied by LyzeLabs as a lyophilized reference standard, strictly for laboratory research use. It is available in 2 formats starting at $280 per kit. Each batch is independently HPLC-verified at 99.58% purity by Janoshik Analytical, with the certificate of analysis published on the lab-results page and matched to the lot number printed on the vial.

Third-party verified batch

Compound	Oxytocin Acetate
Research category	Hormone Support
Available formats	2mg10vials, 5mg10vials
Starting price	From $280 USD per kit
Purity	99.58% verified (third-party HPLC, Janoshik)
Test method	HPLC / ESI-MS
Certificate of analysis	Published online, matched to the vial lot number
Intended use	Laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption.
Handling	Supplied lyophilized, store per the stability guide

What Researchers Say

Dr. Meera Krishnan

New Zealand

"Our social neuroscience lab at an institutional research lab in London has been using LyzeLabs Oxytocin for maternal behavior and social bonding research for 9 months. The cyclic peptide structure is intact - we verified the disulfide bridge integrity via mass spec at molecular weight 1007.2 Da matching theoretical oxytocin. HPLC confirmed >98.6% purity with no linear degradation products. Our oxytocin receptor binding assays in OXTR-expressing cell lines show robust calcium mobilization and receptor activation matching literature values for natural oxytocin. We're investigating oxytocin's role in maternal attachment and social recognition in rodent behavioral models - the OT5 and OT10 (5mg, 10mg) specifications are perfect for intranasal administration dose-response studies comparing central vs peripheral oxytocin effects. Delivery to London takes 11-12 days with cold chain packaging protecting the disulfide bridge. This is pharmaceutical-grade oxytocin for serious behavioral neuroendocrinology research. Highly recommended!"

2025-11-13

Dr. Adeyemi

United States

"Everything checked out on receipt. Labeling matched the certificate."

2025-11-10

Priya N.

Sweden

"First order came through clean. Cross-referenced the COA, it held."

2025-11-07

About This Product

Oxytocin: Neuropeptide Receptor Pharmacology and Neuroendocrine Research

A Nine-Amino-Acid Peptide with Broad Research Scope

Oxytocin (Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) is a cyclic nonapeptide synthesized in hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei and released from the posterior pituitary. It was the first peptide hormone to have its sequence determined and to be chemically synthesized, accomplished by Vincent du Vigneaud in 1953. As a research compound, oxytocin spans neuroendocrinology, social behavior neuroscience, reproductive physiology, and cardiovascular pharmacology.

OXTR Receptor Pharmacology

Oxytocin signals through the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a Gq/11-coupled GPCR that activates phospholipase C, producing IP3-mediated calcium release and PKC activation. OXTR expression is found in the uterus, mammary gland, heart, kidney, and throughout the central nervous system, particularly in limbic regions including the amygdala, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens. The same receptor mediates functionally distinct effects depending on tissue: uterine contraction in reproductive physiology, milk ejection in lactation, and social bond formation in brain circuit research.

Research Applications

Social behavior neuroscience: OXTR-mediated social recognition, bonding, and trust circuit research
Neuroendocrinology: hypothalamic-posterior pituitary axis and neuropeptide release studies
Reproductive physiology: uterine contractility and parturition mechanism research
Cardiac pharmacology: OXTR signaling in myocardial protection and ischemia models
Anxiety and stress: oxytocin and CRF interaction in HPA axis stress response modulation
Autism research: social communication circuits and OXTR pharmacology

Oxytocin vs Vasopressin in Research Design

Oxytocin shares high structural homology with vasopressin (ADH), differing by only two amino acids at positions 3 and 8. Both peptides bind each other's receptors at higher concentrations, creating cross-reactivity that must be controlled in receptor-specific protocols. Researchers studying oxytocin-specific effects use OXTR-selective agonists and V1a/V2 antagonists as controls.

Quality Standards

Purity: >99% by HPLC
Identity: confirmed by ESI-MS
Form: lyophilized powder, sterile vials
Storage: -20°C, reconstitute with bacteriostatic water
Full COA at lyzelabs.com/lab-results

For research purposes only. Not for human consumption.

Research Context for Oxytocin Acetate

Hormone Axis Research Context

Hormone support research compounds act on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, the melanocortin system, or downstream endocrine pathways. Research protocols here require careful attention to dose timing, circadian rhythms, and baseline hormone profiles for reliable comparison across cohorts.

Oxytocin Acetate ships as a lyophilized research reagent through the LyzeLabs™ catalog in the Hormone Support category, with 2 variant options sized to different research protocols. Every batch is independently verified by Janoshik Analytical, with the full HPLC chromatogram and mass spectrometry confirmation published on the LyzeLabs lab results page and matched to the lot number printed on your vial.

Related Research Guides

How to Read a Peptide Certificate of Analysis

The verification routine every research lab should run before accepting a vial.

How to Reconstitute a Research Peptide

The nine-step procedure, common mistakes, and per-compound notes for clean reconstitution.

Other Compounds in the Hormone Support Category

Research Tools for This Compound

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxytocin Acetate

$280