Oxytocin
The Social Bonding and Recovery Neuropeptide
Molecular Data
- Formula
- C43H66N12O12S2
- Molecular Weight
- 1007.19 g/mol
- Sequence
- Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2
01
Overview
Oxytocin is a naturally occurring neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. It is central to social bonding, pair attachment, trust, and stress modulation. Research extends into muscle regeneration, wound healing, and metabolic regulation, making it a uniquely multifunctional peptide in neuroendocrine science.
02
Mechanism of Action
Oxytocin binds the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed in brain, muscle, and peripheral tissues. In muscle, it activates satellite cell proliferation and myoblast differentiation through MAPK/ERK signaling. In the CNS, it modulates amygdala and prefrontal circuits to reduce fear responses and enhance prosocial behavior.
03
Research Highlights
Muscle regeneration studies show oxytocin restores stem cell renewal in aged mice to youthful levels
Wound healing research demonstrates accelerated epidermal repair via anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization
Intranasal administration studies confirm CNS penetration with measurable social cognition effects
04
Dosage
Administration & Timing
Intranasal, ${SC}, or IV. Research protocols use intranasal for social/behavioral research, IV/SC for obstetric research.
Dosage Guidelines
Cycle Length
Single-dose to multi-week; chronic research is limited.
05
Reconstitution
Solvent
Supplied as pre-formulated intranasal spray or injectable
Volume
Per product (intranasal: 40 IU/mL; injectable: 10 IU/mL)
Concentration
Per product labeling
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8 °C; intranasal spray stable at room temperature per label.
Notes
Oxytocin has a very short half-life (~3–5 min). Intranasal dosing is in IU, not mcg — do not interchange units.
Research Reference Only
Dosage and reconstitution values reflect commonly cited ranges from published research literature and are presented for educational and research reference only. This is not medical advice or a dosing recommendation. HEXAGEN does not endorse human use of any compound. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Research Disclaimer
Oxytocin is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
Related Compounds
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Oxytocin — Common Research Questions
What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a naturally occurring neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. It is central to social bonding, pair attachment, trust, and stress modulation. Res... Oxytocin belongs to the Other research category and is studied for its the social bonding and recovery neuropeptide.
How does Oxytocin work?
Oxytocin binds the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed in brain, muscle, and peripheral tissues. In muscle, it activates satellite cell proliferation and myoblast differentiation through MAPK/ERK signaling. In the CNS, it modulates amygdala and prefrontal circuits to reduce fear responses and enhance prosocial behavior.
What are the key research benefits of Oxytocin?
Social bonding and trust behavior modulation. Muscle regeneration and satellite cell activation. Wound healing acceleration via anti-inflammatory signaling. Stress reduction and anxiolytic effects. Metabolic regulation and feeding behavior research. Lactation and uterine contraction (established clinical use).
What is the molecular structure of Oxytocin?
Oxytocin has the molecular formula C43H66N12O12S2 and a molecular weight of 1007.19 g/mol. Its amino acid sequence is Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2. This structural information is important for researchers studying receptor binding and pharmacokinetics.
What does the research say about Oxytocin?
Muscle regeneration studies show oxytocin restores stem cell renewal in aged mice to youthful levels Wound healing research demonstrates accelerated epidermal repair via anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization Intranasal administration studies confirm CNS penetration with measurable social cognition effects These findings are based on preclinical and clinical research. Oxytocin is a research compound and these studies do not constitute medical advice.
Is Oxytocin FDA approved?
No. Oxytocin is not FDA-approved for any indication. It is a research chemical studied in preclinical and early clinical research. These compounds are not approved for human therapeutic use and should only be studied in appropriate research settings.
What category does Oxytocin belong to?
Oxytocin belongs to the Other category, which focuses on a collection of specialized peptides studied across various physiological domains including reproductive health, pigmentation, and growth factor signaling. You can explore more compounds in this category on the Other pillar page.
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Scientific References
Muscle regeneration studies show oxytocin restores stem cell renewal in aged mice to youthful levels
Wound healing research demonstrates accelerated epidermal repair via anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization
Intranasal administration studies confirm CNS penetration with measurable social cognition effects