Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide neurohormone (Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2, with a disulfide bridge between Cys1 and Cys6) synthesized primarily in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. It is released into circulation from the posterior pituitary and also acts centrally as a neuromodulator through widespread OXTR expression in limbic structures, cortex, and brainstem.

Beyond its classical roles in parturition (uterine contraction) and lactation (milk ejection reflex), central oxytocin signaling is studied extensively as the molecular basis of social bonding, trust, empathy, maternal behavior, and pair bonding. Research also examines its roles in HPA axis modulation (anxiolytic effects), addiction neurobiology, autism spectrum disorder, and prosocial behavior, making it one of the most multifaceted neuropeptides in translational neuroscience research.

• Oxytocin receptor (OXTR) pharmacology and intracellular signaling
• Social bonding, trust, and prosocial behavior neuroscience research
• Maternal behavior, pair bonding, and reproductive biology
• HPA axis modulation and anxiolytic mechanism studies
• Autism spectrum disorder and social cognition research models
• Addiction neurobiology and drug-related social behavior research

Dose levels referenced by the MVLabs peptide calculator, shown for research reference only:

Dosed in IU, typically intranasal in research. Not a mg-based reconstitution.

Research reference only — not dosing guidance for human use. Use the calculator for other vials or volumes.

Supplied as a lyophilized powder. Store at 2–8 °C on receipt; protect from heat, light and moisture, and avoid excessive agitation. If reconstitution is required for laboratory work, use sterile technique — bacteriostatic water, or 0.6% acetic acid for low-solubility peptides. Protocols vary by research application.