Nootropic & neuropeptide research compounds
Oxytocin
Also known as OT · oxytocin acetate
The hypothalamic nonapeptide hormone of labour and lactation, and a major research focus in social behaviour.
In 60 seconds
A registered prescription medicine for obstetric use. Obstetric use carries well-documented risks (uterine hyperstimulation, water intoxication at high doses).
- A comprehensive review of oxytocin receptor signalling and its roles in reproduction and social behaviour.
- Proposes that oxytocin modulates the salience of social cues, reconciling mixed findings in human studies.
- A phase 2 randomised trial measured social functioning with intranasal oxytocin versus placebo in autism.
Mechanism
Oxytocin is made in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary; it contracts the uterus and triggers milk let-down. Acting centrally through the oxytocin receptor, it modulates social salience, bonding and stress responses — the basis of intranasal research in humans.
Research status
A registered prescription medicine for obstetric use. Intranasal research in autism and other conditions has produced mixed results, including a negative large trial in children with autism (2021).
Key studies
A comprehensive review of oxytocin receptor signalling and its roles in reproduction and social behaviour.
The Oxytocin Receptor: From Intracellular Signaling to Behavior — Physiol Rev, 2018 · PMID 29897293
Proposes that oxytocin modulates the salience of social cues, reconciling mixed findings in human studies.
The Social Salience Hypothesis of Oxytocin — Biol Psychiatry, 2016 · PMID 26321019
A phase 2 randomised trial measured social functioning with intranasal oxytocin versus placebo in autism.
Intranasal Oxytocin in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder — N Engl J Med, 2021 · PMID 34644471
Reviews oxytocin physiology and its pharmacological use in labour.
The physiology and pharmacology of oxytocin in labor and in the peripartum period — Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2024 · PMID 38462255
Safety signals in the literature
Obstetric use carries well-documented risks (uterine hyperstimulation, water intoxication at high doses). Intranasal research doses have been generally tolerated in trials.
Legal status (South Africa)
Not registered as a medicine for human use in South Africa (unless stated otherwise); research use only.
Related compounds we stock
Now in the catalogue
Oxytocin is now in our catalogue as a research vial. Pre-orders are 10% off until the 15 October delivery lands.
Comparisons
Questions
What is Oxytocin?
The hypothalamic nonapeptide hormone of labour and lactation, and a major research focus in social behaviour. Oxytocin is made in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary; it contracts the uterus and triggers milk let-down. Acting centrally through the oxytocin receptor, it modulates social salience, bonding and stress responses — the basis of intranasal research in humans.
What is the research status of Oxytocin?
A registered prescription medicine for obstetric use. Intranasal research in autism and other conditions has produced mixed results, including a negative large trial in children with autism (2021).
What safety signals are reported for Oxytocin?
Obstetric use carries well-documented risks (uterine hyperstimulation, water intoxication at high doses). Intranasal research doses have been generally tolerated in trials.
Does Living Water Labs stock Oxytocin?
Not at present. Oxytocin is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. You can ask to be notified if we add it. Not registered as a medicine for human use in South Africa (unless stated otherwise); research use only.
Deep dives
More in Nootropic & neuro
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.
