What it is
Oxytocin is made in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. A disulfide bond closes a six-residue ring.
What researchers study
- Agonist at the oxytocin receptor.
- Studied in research on uterine and mammary smooth muscle, and on social behavior.
Specifications
| Sequence | CYIQNCPLG-NH2 (disulfide Cys1–Cys6) |
| Molecular formula | C43H66N12O12S2 |
| Molecular weight | 1007.2 g/mol |
| PubChem | CID 439302 |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Vial sizes | 2 mg |
| Storage | Unopened: 2 to 8 °C, away from light |
How each lot is tested
Samples from every lot go to an independent, ISO/IEC 17025 accredited lab. Its report covers three tests:
- Purity by reversed-phase HPLC: the main peak's share of the total peak area.
- Identity by mass spectrometry: the observed mass should match the expected 1007.2 g/mol.
- Endotoxin, measured for every lot.
The lot number on your vial is the number on its report. How to check a certificate of analysis walks through what to look for.
The amount on the label is the weight of the powder. Besides the peptide it includes counter-ions and some water; Purity vs. peptide content explains the difference.
Storage and handling
Store unopened vials at 2 to 8 °C, away from light, as printed on the label. Let a cold vial reach room temperature before you open it, so moisture doesn't condense on the powder. More bench habits are in Handling.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. This page describes the compound and published research on it. It is not a recommendation for any use.