Oxytocin 10mg (6000 IU)

Oxytocin is a cyclic nonapeptide (Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH₂) that is synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored in the neurohypophysis. It exerts biological activity via the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a Gq-coupled GPCR, which activates phospholipase C and triggers intracellular Ca²⁺ release. Oxytocin is used in research that investigates peptide-mediated neuromodulation, signaling of social behavior, and the pharmacology of smooth muscle receptors.

Gimpl G & Fahrenholz F, Physiol Rev, 2001 81(2):629–683

Donaldson ZR & Young LJ, J Neuroendocrinol, 2008 20(6):858–865

Oxytocin is generally described as a peptide that has two closely linked physiological roles: (1) a neuropeptide released in the brain to support social behaviors and reproductive physiology, and (2) a circulating hormone involved in birth-related functions and lactation. It is mainly produced in the hypothalamus and released via the neurohypophysis, and it has also been reported in other tissues (including reproductive organs).

Research on oxytocin has explored roles in:

• milk ejection / lactation
• uterine contraction during childbirth
• blood pressure regulation
• neuron signaling and plasticity
• social bonding and attachment
• fear and anxiety responses
• mood regulation
• wound healing and inflammation signaling