Oxytocin
Oxytocin (OXT, also OT, OXT-NPI and OT-NPI) is a posterior pituitary hormone synthesised in the hypothalamus as part of a larger precursor. The OXT gene encodes this prepropeptide, which is processed into oxytocin and its carrier protein neurophysin I. Browse Assay Genie's current range of Oxytocin research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
Oxytocin is made as an inactive precursor in the hypothalamus, together with its carrier protein neurophysin I. The two are packaged into neurosecretory vesicles and transported axonally to nerve endings in the neurohypophysis, where the hormone is either stored or secreted into the bloodstream. The precursor appears to be activated during axonal transport to the posterior pituitary. Neurophysin I binds oxytocin and carries it from the hypothalamus to the posterior pituitary, protecting it from degradation and facilitating its release.
The OXT gene encodes a single precursor protein that yields both oxytocin and neurophysin I, so the gene name and the protein names refer to the same product. The protein belongs to the vasopressin/oxytocin family, and HGNC places the gene in the arginine vasopressin/oxytocin peptide family. Mouse and rat both carry an orthologous gene, Oxt. Earlier names for the gene include oxytocin, prepro- (neurophysin I) and oxytocin, prepropeptide.
Oxytocin contracts smooth muscle during parturition and lactation. It is also involved in cognition, tolerance, adaptation and complex sexual and maternal behaviour, as well as in the regulation of water excretion and cardiovascular functions. This range of roles makes the oxytocin protein a frequent subject in neuroendocrine, reproductive and behavioural research, where studies often need to distinguish the precursor from the mature hormone and its carrier.
Oxytocin is synthesised in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary, making it a central hormone for studying neurosecretion.
Oxytocin contracts smooth muscle during parturition and lactation, supporting work on birth and milk release.
Oxytocin is involved in cognition, tolerance, adaptation and complex sexual and maternal behaviour.
Oxytocin contributes to the regulation of water excretion and cardiovascular functions.
Oxytocin is a posterior pituitary hormone that contracts smooth muscle during parturition and lactation. It is also involved in cognition, tolerance, adaptation, sexual and maternal behaviour, water excretion and cardiovascular regulation. Its carrier, neurophysin I, transports it from the hypothalamus to the posterior pituitary.
OXT is also known as OT, OXT-NPI and OT-NPI. The official full name is oxytocin/neurophysin I prepropeptide, and UniProt lists it as oxytocin-neurophysin 1 proprotein. Earlier names were oxytocin, prepro- (neurophysin I) and oxytocin, prepropeptide. One precursor yields both oxytocin and neurophysin I.
Yes. Mouse and rat each have an orthologous gene named Oxt. The protein belongs to the vasopressin/oxytocin family. When choosing reagents for rodent work, check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other vasopressin/oxytocin family members, receptors and neuroendocrine targets with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P01178; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.