SSR126768A is a novel and selective, orally active and potent oxytocin (OT) receptor antagonist with inhibitory effects on uterine contractions for the prevention of preterm labor.

LIT-001 improves social interaction in a mouse model of autism.It is the first nonpeptide oxytocin receptor agonist with EC50 of 55 nM and Ki of 226 nM.

Atosiban acetate (RW22164) is an inhibitor of the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin. It is used as an intravenous medication as a labour repressant (tocolytic) to halt premature labor. Atosiban acetate (RW22164) inhibits the oxytocin-mediated release of inositol trisphosphate from the myometrial cell membrane. As a result, there is reduced release of intracellular, stored calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of myometrial cells, and reduced influx of Ca2+ from the extracellular space through voltage gated channels. In addition, Atosiban acetate (RW22164) suppresses oxytocin-mediated release of PGE and PGF from the decidua. In human pre-term labor, atosiban, at the recommended dosage, antagonizes uterine contractions and induces uterine quiescence. The onset of uterus relaxation following atosiban is rapid, uterine contractions being significantly reduced within 10 minutes to achieve stable uterine quiescence.

L-371,257 is a competitive antagonist of oxytocin receptor with pA2 of 8.4 and Ki of 19 nM. L-371,257 shows a Ki of 3.7 nM for vasopressin receptor 1a.

Oxytocin (Syntocinon) is a mammalian neuropituitary hormone, a pleiotropic hypothalamic peptide and ligand for the oxytocin receptor, which contributes to labor, lactation, and pro-social behavior. Oxytocin has the ability to stimulate mammary secretion of breast milk, promote contraction of uterine smooth muscle during labor, and facilitate mothering.