Oxytocin vs ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a natural hormone produced in the hypothalamus, often called the 'love hormone' or 'bonding hormone.' It plays key roles in social bonding, childbirth, lactation, and stress regulation.
Full details →ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide)
ANP is a cardiac hormone released by atrial myocytes in response to stretch. It promotes natriuresis, diuresis, and vasodilation, playing key roles in blood pressure and fluid regulation.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Oxytocin | ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to oxytocin receptors in the brain and peripheral tissues. Promotes social bonding, reduces anxiety and stress response, and has various peripheral effects on smooth muscle contraction. | Binds to natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR-A) to activate guanylyl cyclase, producing cGMP. This leads to vasodilation, increased kidney filtration, and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. |
| Typical Dosage | Intranasal: 20-40 IU (international units) for social/anxiolytic effects. Clinical uses (labor induction) require IV administration under medical supervision. | Clinical use: Carperitide (recombinant ANP) used in Japan for acute heart failure at 0.1mcg/kg/min IV infusion. |
| Administration | Intranasal spray for behavioral effects. IV only in clinical settings. Sublingual also possible. Best used situationally rather than continuously. | Intravenous infusion only for clinical applications. Short half-life (~2 minutes) requires continuous administration. |
| Side Effects | Intranasal: headache, nasal irritation, drowsiness. May cause over-attachment or emotional sensitivity. IV (clinical): uterine hyperstimulation, water retention. | Hypotension (dose-limiting), headache, nausea, and potential arrhythmias at high doses. |
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