Description

Product Description

Demoxytocin is a heterodetic cyclic peptide structurally related to oxytocin, functioning as a potent synthetic analogue. It acts as an agonist at oxytocin receptors, mediating contraction of smooth muscle tissue in organs such as the uterus, mammary glands, and gastrointestinal tract. As a bioactive research compound, Demoxytocin is widely utilized to investigate smooth muscle physiology, reproductive endocrinology, and peptide hormone signaling mechanisms.

Biological Characteristics and Structure

Demoxytocin differs from native oxytocin by a single amino acid modification, which confers improved stability and resistance to enzymatic degradation. This structural adaptation prolongs its biological activity compared to endogenous oxytocin. The peptide consists of nine amino acids forming a cyclic ring stabilized by a disulfide bridge between cysteine residues, a common feature of oxytocin-family hormones.

The heterodetic nature of Demoxytocin allows for flexible receptor binding and selective activation of oxytocin-type G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). This makes it a valuable pharmacological tool for exploring receptor affinity, ligand-receptor interaction dynamics, and intracellular calcium signaling cascades.

Mechanism of Action

Demoxytocin primarily exerts its biological effects through activation of oxytocin receptors (OXTR), which are GPCRs located on the surface of smooth muscle cells. Upon binding to OXTR, the Gq/11 protein pathway becomes activated, leading to the stimulation of phospholipase C (PLC). This in turn hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) into inositol triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG).

IP3 promotes the release of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) from intracellular stores, while DAG activates protein kinase C (PKC), leading to phosphorylation of contractile proteins. The elevated cytosolic calcium concentration interacts with calmodulin to activate myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), ultimately triggering actin–myosin interactions and resulting in muscle contraction.

In uterine smooth muscle, this mechanism enhances coordinated rhythmic contractions, which are essential for labor processes and post-partum uterine recovery.

Research Applications

Demoxytocin serves as an indispensable tool in multiple domains of physiological and pharmacological research:

• Reproductive physiology: for studying uterine contraction, cervical ripening, and labor induction.

• Endocrine signaling: for investigating oxytocin receptor-mediated G-protein pathways.

• Pharmacological studies: as a model compound to evaluate receptor agonism and peptide analog design.

• Calcium signaling research: elucidating the role of intracellular Ca²⁺ flux in smooth muscle activation.

• Drug discovery: for developing improved uterotonic agents with enhanced stability and receptor selectivity.

Functional Relevance

By mimicking oxytocin’s biological actions, Demoxytocin provides a stable and reproducible model for exploring hormone-driven physiological responses. Its use in experimental systems allows for precise quantification of receptor kinetics, second messenger dynamics, and downstream protein phosphorylation events. Researchers utilize it to study not only uterine contractility but also lactation mechanisms, gastrointestinal motility, and behavioral neuroendocrinology associated with oxytocin signaling.

Product Specifications

Mechanism of Action

Demoxytocin binds with high affinity to oxytocin receptors distributed in uterine and mammary tissues. The activation of these receptors triggers a signaling cascade leading to intracellular calcium mobilization. Increased Ca²⁺ promotes contractile activity in smooth muscle cells, simulating the physiological effects of natural oxytocin.

Its mechanism also involves upregulation of phosphorylated myosin light chain (p-MLC) and modulation of gap junction communication between uterine smooth muscle cells, enhancing synchronized contractions during experimental labor models. Demoxytocin has also been shown to indirectly influence prostaglandin synthesis and oxytocin receptor density, reinforcing its contractile efficacy in reproductive tissues.

The pharmacodynamic response depends on receptor expression levels, ion channel status, and extracellular calcium concentration, making Demoxytocin an ideal model compound for dissecting these interdependent variables in smooth muscle physiology.

Side Effects

Demoxytocin is for laboratory research only, not for human or veterinary use. Documented physiological effects in research contexts include:

• Uterine hyperstimulation: at high concentrations, excessive contractions may occur in vitro.

• Smooth muscle sensitivity: elevated calcium levels can alter baseline muscle tone.

• Transient tachyphylaxis: prolonged exposure may reduce receptor responsiveness.

• Handling caution: avoid skin contact or inhalation; use standard PPE and sterile equipment.

Keywords

Demoxytocin, CAS 113-78-0, oxytocin analogue, peptide hormone, smooth muscle contraction, uterine stimulant, calcium signaling, GPCR agonist, labor research, reproductive endocrinology

Shipping Guarantee

All shipments are handled using validated cold-chain logistics to preserve peptide integrity. Each package is sealed in moisture-proof containers with secondary protective wrapping and continuous temperature monitoring. Products are shipped via express international couriers with full tracking and insurance coverage.

Trade Assurance

We ensure product authenticity, verified ≥99% purity, and compliance with analytical standards (HPLC, MS, and NMR). Each batch is supplied with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA). Our trade assurance policy guarantees replacement or refund for any deviation from listed specifications.

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