Deaminooxytocin

Deaminooxytocin is a synthetic analogue of the hormone oxytocin. It is also known as desamino oxytocin or 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP). This compound is used in medical research and has potential therapeutic applications.

Chemistry

Deaminooxytocin is a peptide hormone, which means it is made up of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. It is a synthetic analogue of oxytocin, meaning it has a similar structure but is not identical. The main difference is that deaminooxytocin lacks an amino group on one of its amino acids, hence the name "deamino".

Pharmacology

Deaminooxytocin has similar effects to oxytocin, but with a longer duration of action. This is because the absence of the amino group makes the molecule more resistant to degradation by protease enzymes. As a result, deaminooxytocin can have a longer-lasting effect on the body than oxytocin.

Medical Uses

Deaminooxytocin is used in medical research to study the effects of oxytocin and its receptors. It is also used therapeutically to induce labor and to control bleeding after childbirth. In addition, it has potential uses in the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia, due to its effects on social behavior.

Side Effects

Like oxytocin, deaminooxytocin can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It can also cause more serious side effects such as water intoxication and seizures, especially at high doses.

See Also

• Oxytocin
• Peptide hormones
• Autism
• Schizophrenia