Anatomy
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is the Difference between Oxytocin and Vasopressin?

Amanda Livingstone
Amanda Livingstone

Neurohypophysial hormones oxytocin and vasopressin differ in molecular structure and function within the mammalian body. The molecular structure of each of the two hormones slightly differs by two amino acid sequences. Despite the slight molecular variation between the two hormones, each has very different physiological functions. Vasopressin helps regulate water and solute concentrations, while oxytocin plays a role in certain reproductive processes. Differences between these substances are also seen in mood and secretion mechanisms.

 

Oxytocin helps facilitate breast feeding.
Oxytocin helps facilitate breast feeding.

Physiological differences between the two similar hormones are due to the slight molecular structure variation. Vasopressin’s amino acid sequence is Cys-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Arg-Gly-NH2, while oxytocin is Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2. One pair of amino acids that occur in oxytocin but not vasopressin is isoleucine (Ile) and leucine (Leu). The phenylalanine (Phe) and arginine (Arg) combination is present in vasopressin but absent in oxytocin.

 

Both oxytocin and vasopressin are synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland.
Both oxytocin and vasopressin are synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland.

Both oxytocin and vasopressin are synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland in the brain. Varying amounts of the hormones are released directly into the brain. The rest of the hormones are secreted into the blood stream by carrier proteins called neurophysin.

 

Unlike oxytocin, vasopressin plays an important role in fluid homeostasis within the mammalian body by regulating water, glucose and salts. The hormone is commonly referred to as antidiuretic hormone for its water conservation effects on the kidneys by decreasing the formation of urine. Secretion of vasopressin is regulated by osmoreceptors when simulated by factors such as thirst, blood pressure and fluid volume. Other potent stimuli of antidiuretic hormone secretion are nausea and vomiting.

 

Increased oxytocin levels in women are associated with maternal behavior.
Increased oxytocin levels in women are associated with maternal behavior.

The main difference between oxytocin and vasopressin secretion is oxytocin’s ability to release itself from other tissues including the ovaries and testes; while vasopressin's only secretion location is the posterior pituitary gland. Both genders produce oxytocin, but women produce the hormone in larger quantities than men. Oxytocin is released in large amounts during labor and helps to facilitate breast feeding. In child birth oxytocin is secreted when the fetus simulates the cervix and vagina. After oxytocin is released uterine contractions are enhanced to help induce child birth.

 

Practicing yoga may help stimulate the natural production of the hormone oxytocin.
Practicing yoga may help stimulate the natural production of the hormone oxytocin.

Secretion of oxytocin and vasopressin affects moods and behavior. Women who are lactating tend to have increased levels of oxytocin released in cerebrospinal fluid. Increased oxytocin levels in women have been associated with establishing maternal behavior. Studies involving the brains of non-pregnant animals infused with oxytocin shows rapidly induced maternal behavior. Instead of inducing maternal behavior, vasopressin greatly influences social behavior and social bonding.

Discussion Comments

dfoster85

@ElizaBennett - I agree with you that pitocin contractions can be on the intense side! I tried having it during my interminal labor, ending in a C-section, with my first childbirth. It hurt like crazy, so I did wind up getting an epidural. I'm sure it works for some people to speed things up, but for me it did nothing at all - my baby was *stuck.* I also remember them giving me more pitocin in the OR because my uterus was not as firm as they wanted and I guess they were worried about bleeding.

I was able to deliver vaginally without medication the second time, and it was a much better experience. Both times, I really noticed the release of oxytocin from breastfeeding! It's how I knew baby was really latched on right, that powerful spasm I felt. Almost painful.

ElizaBennett

Oxytocin, as a hormone, is pretty amazing if you think about. How strange that it is associated with both love *and* powerful uterine contractions!

Not everyone realizes that the common obstetrical drug Pitocin is actually a synthetic form of oxytocin. It doesn't give you that wash of love, but it definitely increases contractions!

As a natural childbirth advocate, I urge women to be informed about Pitocin and its risks. A lot of OBs will want to manage and speed up labor, but sometimes the pit-enhanced contractions are too much for the baby to handle. Some OBs also give a shot of pitocin after the baby is delivered to speed up the afterbirth, but that's also not necessary and can be painful.

When you wouldn't want to be without it, though, if if a hemorrhage occurs after delivery - and it can without warning. Then, a shot of Pit to firm up your uterus and stop the bleeding can save your life (and your uterus).

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Oxytocin helps facilitate breast feeding.
      By: drubig-photo
      Oxytocin helps facilitate breast feeding.
    • Both oxytocin and vasopressin are synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland.
      By: 7activestudio
      Both oxytocin and vasopressin are synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland.
    • Increased oxytocin levels in women are associated with maternal behavior.
      By: LanaK
      Increased oxytocin levels in women are associated with maternal behavior.
    • Practicing yoga may help stimulate the natural production of the hormone oxytocin.
      By: Mikhail Malyugin
      Practicing yoga may help stimulate the natural production of the hormone oxytocin.
    • Oxytocin is linked with bonding and love.
      By: Alexandr Vasilyev
      Oxytocin is linked with bonding and love.
    • Vasopressin may be referred to as antidiuretic hormone for its water conservation effects on the kidneys.
      By: maya2008
      Vasopressin may be referred to as antidiuretic hormone for its water conservation effects on the kidneys.