Oxytocin

General description
Oxytocin (OXT) is a potent natriuretic hormone encoded by the gene mapped to human chromosome 20p13.[1][2] It is synthesized along with its carrier protein neurophysin I from its inactive precursor prepro-OXT. OXT gene consists of three exons and two introns where first exon codes for hormone OXT while other exon codes for neurophysin I.[1] Application
Oxytocin has been used in experimental study to induce uterine contractions in rats.[3] It has been used in comet assay to determine the number of cells with DNA damage.[4] Biochem/physiol Actions
Oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin hormone plays a vital role in regulation of water excretion, parturition and lactation.[1] OXT has been implicated in hydromineral homeostasis and vascular and cardiac relaxation.[2] Oxytocin might function as an effective therapeutic for psychiatric diseases, including depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and autism. OXT has a potential as a marker of autism severity.[5] OXT is an anorexigenic neuropeptide, which is implicated in social cognition and obsessive-compulsive behavior. Plasma oxytocin levels are high in children with Prader-willi syndrome (PWS) compared with unrelated and unaffected siblings.[6] Deficiency of OXT hormone might contribute to pathogenesis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).[7] Stimulates uterine contraction and lactation; increases Na+ excretion; stimulates myometrial GTPase and phospholipase C.
Physical form
Supplied as a powder with a peptide content of ≥ 75%