Oxytocin Acetate

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Introduction

Oxytocin Acetate is the acetate salt form of oxytocin, a naturally occurring peptide hormone and neuropeptide composed of nine amino acids (a nonapeptide). It is a white to off-white crystalline solid used primarily in research and pharmaceutical applications. Oxytocin plays a critical role in labor induction, uterine contraction, lactation, social bonding, and neurological signaling in mammals. Compared to oxytocin, oxytocin acetate exhibits enhanced stability and improved binding affinity to oxytocin receptors, making it valuable in biomedical and biochemical research.

Chemical Properties and Specifications

Structural and Molecular Characteristics

• Chemical Formula: C45H70N12O14S2C45H70N12O14S2 (oxytocin) combined with acetic acid component C2H4O2C2H4O2

• Molecular Weight: 1067.25 g/mol

• CAS Number: 6233-83-6

• IUPAC Name: (S)-1-[(4R,7S,10S,13S,16S,19R)-19-amino-7-(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)-10-(3-amino-3-oxopropyl)-13-[(2S)-butan-2-yl]-16-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-6,9,12,15,18-pentaoxo-1,2-dithia-5,8,11,14,17-pentazacycloicosane-4-carbonyl]-N-[(2S)-1-[(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)amino]-4-methyl-1-oxopentan-2-yl]pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide acetate

• Sequence: Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2, with a disulfide bridge connecting Cys1 and Cys6

Physical Properties and Purity Standards

• Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid

• Purity: Typically ≥98% pure for research grade

• Solubility:

  • DMSO: approximately 44 – 50 mg/mL (approx. 41 – 47 mM); sonication recommended

  • Water: approximately 50 mg/mL (approx. 47 mM)

• Storage Recommendations: Store as a dry powder at -20°C for up to 3 years; when in solution, store at -80°C for up to 1 year. Protect from moisture, light, and heat.

Pharmacological Profile and Mechanism of Action

Proposed Mechanism of Action

Oxytocin Acetate acts as an agonist of oxytocin receptors located in the uterus, mammary glands, and central nervous system. Upon binding, it triggers uterine muscle contraction and facilitates milk ejection (let down reflex). In the brain, oxytocin modulates social behaviors, bonding, stress, and antinociceptive pathways.

Research Applications

Commonly used to study labor induction, postpartum hemorrhage prevention, lactation, and social neurobiology. Oxytocin is also under investigation for roles in psychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and social anxiety. The acetate salt form is preferred in research due to its enhanced stability and receptor affinity.

Comparative Analysis with Related Compounds

Compare to Related Compounds

Oxytocin Acetate differs from pure oxytocin in having an acetate salt component which improves chemical stability and solubility, making it more suitable for pharmaceutical formulation and laboratory use. Compared to analogs such as carbetocin, oxytocin acetate maintains native peptide sequence with similar receptor affinity but different pharmacokinetics.

Advantages for Research

Improved shelf-life and stability facilitate repeatable experimental conditions. The acetate salt form is safer and easier to handle than free oxytocin, allowing precise dosing in both in vitro and in vivo studies.

Safety and Handling Guidelines

Laboratory Safety

Always use gloves, eye protection, and lab coat when handling. Avoid inhalation or skin contact. Work in well-ventilated areas with proper containment due to biological activity.

Disposal and Environmental Considerations

Dispose of according to biomedical waste or chemical hazardous waste regulations. Avoid release to the environment.

Regulatory Status

Oxytocin acetate is a controlled substance in many jurisdictions, available only for research and clinical use under strict regulation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Oxytocin Acetate used for in research?
   It is used to study uterine contraction, lactation, social behavior, and hormone receptor signaling.

2. What improvements does the acetate salt form provide?
   Increased chemical stability and solubility enhance shelf-life and ease of use.

3. How should Oxytocin Acetate be stored?
   Store at -20°C dry and -80°C in solution; protect from light and moisture.

4. Is Oxytocin Acetate identical to natural oxytocin?
   It has the same peptide sequence but is formulated as an acetate salt for better stability.

5. What are safety considerations for handling?
   Standard PPE is required; avoid exposure due to biological activity.

Conclusion

Oxytocin Acetate is a stable and biologically active salt form of oxytocin, optimized for research into reproductive biology, neuropharmacology, and social behaviors. Its enhanced solubility and shelf-life make it the preferred compound for many laboratory and clinical applications.