13 Facts About Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide normally produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary.

Oxytocin is derived by enzymatic splitting from the peptide precursor encoded by the human OXT gene.

Oxytocin peptide is synthesized as an inactive precursor protein from the OXT gene.

Oxytocin is produced by some neurons in the paraventricular nucleus that project to other parts of the brain and to the spinal cord.

Oxytocin is synthesized by corpora lutea of several species, including ruminants and primates.

Oxytocin has peripheral actions, and has actions in the brain.

Oxytocin is believed to have a significant role in social learning.

Oxytocin receptors are expressed by neurons in many parts of the brain and spinal cord, including the amygdala, ventromedial hypothalamus, septum, nucleus accumbens, and brainstem, although the distribution differs markedly between species.

Oxytocin has a role in social behaviors in many species, so it likely does in humans.

Oxytocin is not only correlated with the preferences of individuals to associate with members of their own group, but it is evident during conflicts between members of different groups.

Oxytocin is typically remembered for the effect it has on prosocial behaviors, such as its role in facilitating trust and attachment between individuals.

Oxytocin is a peptide of nine amino acids in the sequence cysteine-tyrosine-isoleucine-glutamine-asparagine-cysteine-proline-leucine-glycine-amide ; its C-terminus has been converted to a primary amide and a disulfide bridge joins the cysteine moieties.

Formula for Oxytocin is displayed as written on the fingers of Nina Zilli and appears in the opening shot of her video for "Sola".