Oxytocin

Endogenous Nonapeptide Hormone

Oxytocin is a naturally occurring nine-amino-acid peptide hormone synthesized primarily in hypothalamic neurons and released into the circulation through the posterior pituitary. Oxytocin receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors that increase intracellular calcium signaling. Its best-characterized physiological actions include uterine smooth-muscle contraction and contraction of mammary myoepithelial cells during milk ejection, while central oxytocin signaling is also studied in neuroendocrine and behavioral physiology.

Research Areas: Neuroendocrinology, reproductive physiology, lactation, smooth-muscle signaling, central nervous system biology
Classification: Endogenous nonapeptide hormone