Oxytocin

Oxytocin Overview

Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide with a disulfide bridge between cysteine residues at positions 1 and 6, synthesized as a prohormone in hypothalamic magnocellular neurons and transported to the posterior pituitary for release. Through binding to its target receptor (OXTR), a G-protein-coupled receptor, it activates phospholipase C-mediated pathways leading to intracellular calcium release and protein kinase C activation. Research models examine oxytocin's effects on smooth muscle signaling dynamics, myoepithelial contraction modeling, CNS behavioral pathways, stress response signaling, and autonomic nervous system modulation in laboratory settings. Lee et al. (2009).

Gimpl & Fahrenholz (2001).

History

Oxytocin was first isolated from the posterior pituitary gland by Henry Dale in 1906, who observed its smooth muscle signaling properties. The complete amino acid sequence was determined by Vincent du Vigneaud in 1953, and he successfully synthesized the peptide shortly thereafter, earning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1955. This represented the first synthesis of a polypeptide hormone and established oxytocin as a foundational molecule in peptide biochemistry and neuroendocrinology.

Du Vigneaud et al. (1953).

Oxytocin Structure

CAS #:

50-56-6

Molecular Formula:

C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂

Molecular Weight:

1007.19 g/mol

PubChem ID:

439302