Oxytocin is a 9-amino acid cyclic peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland. Often called the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone," oxytocin plays crucial roles in social bonding, maternal behavior, sexual reproduction, and childbirth. During labor, oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, and postpartum it promotes lactation (milk letdown reflex) and maternal-infant bonding. Beyond reproduction, oxytocin influences social cognition, trust, empathy, and emotional regulation. The peptide has been researched for autism spectrum disorders, social anxiety, and various psychiatric conditions. Synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) is widely used clinically for labor induction.
| Research Status | FDA approved (medical use) |
|---|---|
| Half-Life | 3-5 minutes (but effects longer) |
| Administration | Intranasal |
| Typical Dosage | 10-40 IU intranasal |
| Molecular Weight | 1,007.2 Da |
| Molecular Formula | C43H66N12O12S2 |
Activates oxytocin receptors in brain and periphery, modulating social behavior and smooth muscle.
All information is presented for Research Use Only (RUO). Not medical advice.