Description

Oxytocin represents a naturally occurring nonapeptide hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland, playing crucial roles in social behavior, reproductive physiology, and neuroendocrine regulation. The compound consists of nine amino acids arranged in the sequence Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2, with a disulfide bridge between the two cysteine residues that is essential for biological activity. Oxytocin functions through specific binding to oxytocin receptors, which are G-protein coupled receptors found in various tissues including the brain, uterus, and mammary glands. The peptide demonstrates complex biological activities including regulation of social bonding, trust, empathy, and reproductive behaviors, making it valuable for research investigating social neuroscience and behavioral biology. Research applications include examination of social behavior mechanisms, reproductive physiology, and the neurobiological basis of social bonding and attachment. For research use only.