Vasopressin and oxytocin receptors

Overview

Vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) receptors are activated by the endogenous cyclic nonapeptides vasopressin and oxytocin. These peptides are derived from precursors which also produce neurophysins (neurophysin I for oxytocin; neurophysin II for vasopressin). Vasopressin and oxytocin differ at only 2 amino acids (positions 3 and 8). There are metabolites of these neuropeptides that may be biologically active [1].

Reference

  1. de Wied D, Diamant M, Fodor M. Central nervous system effects of the neurohypophyseal hormones and related peptides. Front Neuroendocrinol 1993;14:251-302.
Excerpt from IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology