Definition: A nonapeptide hormone released from the neurohypophysis (PITUITARY GLAND, POSTERIOR). It differs from VASOPRESSIN by two amino acids at residues 3 and 8. Oxytocin acts on SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS, such as causing UTERINE CONTRACTIONS and MILK EJECTION.
deaminooxytocin [ 1-mercaptopropionateoxytoxin,ODA-914,Sandopart,deaminooxytocin, (enantio)-isomer,demoxytocin,desaminooxytocin ] octa-peptide lacking free amino group on cystine residue; RN given refers to cpd without isomeric designation