What Is Pitocin?
Pitocin is an organic compound with the molecular formula C43H66N12O12S2, and is a peptide hormone.
It is synthesized in the neurosecretory cells of the para ventricular nucleus and suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus and secreted from the pituitary gland.
Pitocin is closely related to oxytocin in women, where it is well known as a hormone that stimulates the secretion of prostaglandins, which also causes menstrual cramps and induces labor pains. Recently, it has also been found to be secreted by kinship with people and animals, and is now also known by the aliases “affection hormone” and “happy hormone.”
Uses of Pitocin
Pitocin is a hormone that is generally synthesized and secreted by the body. Therefore, it is often used to affect people rather than objects.
In the early 20th century, it was known to accelerate labor and induce the ejaculation reflex during postpartum lactation, hence its name from the Greek okytokos (early (okys), which is also the origin of the name okytokos (early (okys) birth (tokos)). Thus, it is a familiar substance in obstetrics and gynecology, as it is often used to act in the uterine area.
Other uses include weak labor, flaccid hemorrhage, before and after placental delivery, inadequate uterine restoration, cesarean section after delivery of a fetus, miscarriage, and abortion.
Properties of Pitocin
Pitocin is a white powder that is extremely soluble in water and readily soluble in ethanol (99.5) and hydrochloric acid reagent.
It acts as a hormone in peripheral tissues and as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. In the peripheral tissues, it is mainly involved in the contraction of smooth muscle, which causes uterine contraction during childbirth. Oxytocin also contracts the muscle fibers of the mammary gland to stimulate milk secretion.
Structure of Pitocin
The structure of Pitocin is a large ring composed of two cysteines: tyrosine, isoleucine, glutamine, and asparagine, and the sulfur atoms of the two cysteines in the ring are connected by disulfide bonds. There are three amino acids (proline, leucine, and glycine) that also branch off from one cysteine. Vasopressin, another posterior pituitary hormone, is similar in structure to pitocin, differing only in two amino acids.
Pitocin was discovered by Henry Hallett Dale in 1906, and its molecular structure was determined in 1952. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded in 1955 to Vincent du Vigneault and his colleagues, who were the first to biosynthesize it and determine its structure successfully.
Types of Pitocin
There are two main types of pitocin products on the market today: clinical drugs and reagents for research and development. Clinical drugs are marketed primarily as injectable atonin and are used primarily during labor and delivery.
Intranasal pitocin is approved in Europe for the promotion of lactation. Its efficacy in improving sociability in autism spectrum disorders is also being tested by national and international researchers.
Test kits for detecting pitocin are commercially available and can measure oxytocin in culture supernatants, milk, serum, and plasma. Its use in cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, tissue, and urine samples has also been reported in a number of studies.
Other Information on Pitocin
Precautions for Handling and Storage
Precautions for handling and storage are as follows:
- Keep the container tightly closed and store in a well-ventilated place at 2-8℃.
- Wear protective gloves and glasses when using the product.
- Remove gloves appropriately after use to avoid skin contact with this product.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- In case of skin contact, wash with soap and plenty of water.