Activates oxytocin receptor on uterine smooth muscle (parturition), mammary myoepithelium (milk ejection), and CNS (pair bonding).
Reference facts
- Also known as
- Pitocin, Syntocinon
- Category
- Hormonal & Pituitary
- Mechanism of action
- Activates oxytocin receptor on uterine smooth muscle (parturition), mammary myoepithelium (milk ejection), and CNS (pair bonding).
- Targets
- Oxytocin receptor (OXTR)
- Indications under research or approved
- Labor induction, Postpartum hemorrhage, Research — autism, social bonding
- Regulatory status (reference entry)
- FDA-approved (Pitocin, multiple formulations)
- Half-life
- ~3–5 minutes
- Sequence
- CYIQNCPLG
- Sequence notes
- Nonapeptide with disulfide bridge between Cys1-Cys6, C-terminal amide. The 'love hormone'.
- Molecular weight (Da)
- 1007
- PDB accession
- 1NPO
- First reported
- 1953
- Origin
- First peptide hormone synthesized in the lab by Vincent du Vigneaud (Nobel Prize 1955).
Primary References
Explore research articles about Oxytocin
This is an educational reference, not medical advice. Research findings do not establish safety or efficacy for self-administration. Consult the primary sources for study populations, limitations, and current regulatory status.