Dossier overview
4
research areas
3
references
3
handling notes
01
Mechanism of action
Oxytocin binds the oxytocin , a Gq-coupled GPCR. Peripherally it stimulates uterine smooth muscle contraction and milk ejection. Centrally it modulates social bonding, anxiety, and reward circuits — pathways examined in intranasal-oxytocin research.
02
Research applications
- Obstetric clinical practice (approved indications)
- Intranasal oxytocin in autism research
- Social neuroscience and attachment research
- Oxytocin pharmacology (including such as atosiban)
Evidence at a glance
What's behind this profile
3 citations · 1995–2023
- Human
- 1
- Review
- 1
- Other
- 1
Studies in human volunteers or patients (incl. early-phase trials).
Narrative or systematic reviews; no primary data.
Studies that did not match the categories above.
Publication years
- 95
- 96
- 97
- 98
- 99
- 00
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
- 05
- 06
- 07
- 08
- 09
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
Counts are derived from the cited studies below. A study covering both in vivo and in vitro work is counted by its primary model. Sample size is reported in 1 of 3 citations. Findings remain model-specific and are not extrapolated to therapeutic use.
03
Study references
Each profile cites a minimum of two peer-reviewed sources, with model type and reported sample size where the source provides it. Findings are model-specific and must not be extrapolated to therapeutic use.
The effect of oxytocin nasal spray on social interaction in young children with autism: a randomized clinical trial
2023
Guastella AJ et al. · Molecular Psychiatry
- Model
- Double-blind randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial in young children with autism
- Sample
- n=87 (oxytocin n=45, placebo n=42)
Intranasal oxytocin was associated with modest improvements in social responsiveness for younger children with autism, without a significant overall effect on the primary outcome.
Guideline No. 432c: Induction of Labour
2023
Robinson D et al. · Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada
- Model
- Evidence-based clinical practice guideline
- Sample
- N/A (guideline)
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada guideline addressing cervical ripening and labour induction, including the use of intravenous oxytocin among standard interventions.
Atosiban
1995
Shubert PJ et al. · Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Model
- Narrative review of the oxytocin receptor antagonist atosiban
- Sample
- N/A (review)
Reviewed atosiban as an oxytocin- tocolytic agent for preterm labour, providing receptor-pharmacology context for oxytocin agonism.
Evidence caveats
- FDA approval covers specific obstetric indications. Intranasal use in psychiatric / behavioural contexts is investigational and not endorsed here as therapy.
- Oxytocin has extensive published literature (>30,000 PubMed records); the three citations on this profile represent contemporary clinical-context anchors rather than a comprehensive review of the field.
04
Storage and handling
Approved product follows manufacturer cold-chain instructions. Research-grade material must be stored under controlled laboratory conditions per protocol.
- Approved injectable product (Pitocin) follows the manufacturer label and pharmacy cold-chain.
- Research-grade synthetic oxytocin requires controlled storage and full batch documentation.
- Clinical decisions involving oxytocin are obstetric or psychiatric decisions made with a qualified healthcare professional.