What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a nonapeptide hormone and neurotransmitter produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. Often called the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone," oxytocin plays crucial roles in social bonding, reproduction, childbirth, and maternal behavior.
Unlike most peptides on this site, oxytocin has well-established FDA-approved medical uses, particularly in obstetrics for labor induction and postpartum hemorrhage control.
Molecular Profile
Structure
Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2
(with disulfide bridge between Cys1-Cys6)
Molecular Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C43H66N12O12S2 |
| Molecular Weight | 1007.19 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 50-56-6 |
| Half-life | 3-5 minutes (blood) |
Physiological Functions
Reproduction & Birth
- Uterine contractions during labor
- Milk ejection reflex
- Sperm transport
- Maternal behavior
Social & Psychological
- Social bonding and trust
- Pair bonding
- Empathy and social recognition
- Stress and anxiety reduction
Metabolic
- Effects on food intake
- Cardiovascular regulation
- Wound healing
Medical Uses
FDA-Approved (Pitocin)
- Labor induction
- Labor augmentation
- Postpartum hemorrhage control
- Post-cesarean uterine tone
Research Applications
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Social anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Addiction
Administration Routes
- IV/IM: Medical use (labor)
- Intranasal: Research (behavioral effects)
- Subcutaneous: Research settings
Summary
Oxytocin is unique among peptides as both a critical reproductive hormone and a modulator of complex social behaviors.
Key Points:
- Classification: Neurohormone
- FDA Status: Approved for obstetric uses
- Functions: Reproduction, social bonding, stress
- Research: Behavioral, psychiatric applications