Oxytocin vs Substance P
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 →Substance P
Substance P is an 11-amino acid neuropeptide involved in pain transmission, inflammation, and various neurological processes. While not used therapeutically itself, understanding it is crucial for pain research.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Oxytocin | Substance P |
|---|---|---|
| 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 primarily to NK1 receptors to transmit pain signals from peripheral nerves to the CNS. Also promotes inflammation, causes vasodilation, and stimulates immune cells. |
| Typical Dosage | Intranasal: 20-40 IU (international units) for social/anxiolytic effects. Clinical uses (labor induction) require IV administration under medical supervision. | Not used as a therapeutic agent. NK1 receptor antagonists (blocking Substance P) are used clinically for chemotherapy-induced nausea. |
| Administration | Intranasal spray for behavioral effects. IV only in clinical settings. Sublingual also possible. Best used situationally rather than continuously. | Research compound only. Therapeutic applications focus on blocking rather than administering Substance P. |
| Side Effects | Intranasal: headache, nasal irritation, drowsiness. May cause over-attachment or emotional sensitivity. IV (clinical): uterine hyperstimulation, water retention. | Administration would cause pain, inflammation, and neurogenic responses. Not given therapeutically. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Oxytocin and Substance P are commonly used for: