| receptors, oxytocin | Cell surface proteins that bind oxytocin with high affinity and trigger intracellular changes which influence the behaviour of cells. Oxytocin receptors in the uterus and the mammary glands mediate the hormone's stimulation of contraction and milk ejection. The presence of oxytocin and oxytocin receptors in neurons of the brain probably reflects an additional role as a neurotransmitter. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| oxytocin | <protein> A peptide hormone (1007 D) from hypothalamus: transported to the posterior lobe of the pituitary (see neurophysin). Induces smooth muscle contraction in uterus and mammary glands. Related to vasopressin. (18 Nov 1997) |
| unit of oxytocin | The oxytocic activity of 0.5 mg of the USP Posterior-pituitary Reference Standard; 1 mg of synthetic oxytocin corresponds to 500 IU. (05 Mar 2000) |