Oxytocin Polyclonal Antibody, Invitrogen™

Description

Reconstitute in 50 µL sterile water. Centrifuge to remove any insoluble material. It is recommended that a thawed sample is stored at 4 °C for no longer than 2 weeks. Allocation of appropriate anti-bacterial agent can increase shelf life by several weeks. Diluted serum should be prepared as required. Long term stability requires storage, preferably in small aliquots at -20 °C or lower. Glycerol (1:1) can be added to neat serum for additional stability if intended use does not prevent this.

There are two proteins encoded by this gene, oxytocin and neurophysin I. Oxytocin is posterior pituitary hormone which is synthesized as an inactive precursor in the hypothalamus along with its carrier protein neurophysin I. Together with neurophysin, it is packaged into neurosecretory vesicles and transported axonally to the nerve endings in the neurohypophysis, where it is either stored or secreted into the bloodstream. The precursor seems to be activated while it is being transported along the axon to the posterior pituitary. This hormone contracts smooth muscle during parturition and lactation. It is also involved in cognition, tolerance, adaptation and complex sexual and maternal behaviour, as well as in the regulation of water excretion and cardiovascular functions.