Oxytocin-neurophysin 1 / OXT Recombinant Antibody [PSH08-24] - Guinea pig IgG2 (Chimeric)

Function

Oxytocin is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide normally produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. Present in animals since early stages of evolution, in humans it plays roles in behavior that include social bonding, love, reproduction, childbirth, and the period after childbirth. Oxytocin is released into the bloodstream as a hormone in response to sexual activity and during childbirth. It is also available in pharmaceutical form. In either form, oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions to speed up the process of childbirth. In its natural form, it also plays a role in maternal bonding and milk production. Production and secretion of oxytocin is controlled by a positive feedback mechanism, where its initial release stimulates production and release of further oxytocin. For example, when oxytocin is released during a contraction of the uterus at the start of childbirth, this stimulates production and release of more oxytocin and an increase in the intensity and frequency of contractions. This process compounds in intensity and frequency and continues until the triggering activity ceases. A similar process takes place during lactation and during sexual activity.

Background References

1. De Leon D et al. Methylation of OXT and OXTR genes, central oxytocin, and social behavior in female macaques. Horm Behav. 2020 Nov

2. Khazaal NM et al. The relationship between OXT gene polymorphisms and reproductive hormones in pregnant and lactating Awassi Ewes. Mol Biol Rep. 2023 Oct

Subcellular Location

Secreted.

UNIPROT

SwissProt: P35454 Mouse

Entrez Gene: 25504 Rat

Synonyms