Neurophysin 1 Antibody / NEU1 / Oxytocin-neurophysin 1

Neurophysin 1 antibody detects Neurophysin 1, a carrier protein derived from the oxytocin-neurophysin I precursor encoded by the OXT gene. This protein name is sometimes abbreviated 'NEU1,' but is not to be confused with the protein Sialidase-1, with the gene name NEU1. Neurophysin 1 is synthesized as part of a larger prepropeptide that undergoes post-translational processing to produce both the oxytocin hormone and its carrier protein. The two remain associated within neurosecretory vesicles, ensuring correct folding, stability, and regulated transport of oxytocin from the hypothalamus to the posterior pituitary.

The OXT gene, located on chromosome 20p13, encodes a prepropeptide consisting of a signal sequence, oxytocin, and the Neurophysin 1 domain. Following signal peptide removal in the endoplasmic reticulum, intramolecular disulfide bonds form within Neurophysin 1 to stabilize its structure. The oxytocin and Neurophysin 1 segments are cleaved during vesicle maturation in the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system, where the two components remain noncovalently associated until secretion. This relationship is essential for proper hormone storage and release during physiological processes such as lactation, parturition, and stress adaptation.

Neurophysin 1 functions as a chaperone-like carrier, binding oxytocin with high affinity and preventing premature aggregation or degradation. Within magnocellular neurons of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, Neurophysin 1 is packaged into dense-core granules that travel down hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal axons to the posterior pituitary, where hormone release occurs in response to neuronal depolarization. Because Neurophysin 1 is co-expressed and co-released with oxytocin, its immunoreactivity serves as a reliable marker of oxytocinergic neuron activity and distribution.

Structurally, Neurophysin 1 is a 93-amino-acid protein enriched in cysteine residues, forming multiple disulfide bonds that create a compact, globular fold. This structure enables binding of the oxytocin nonapeptide and supports vesicular transport. It is closely related to Neurophysin 2, the carrier protein associated with vasopressin, though the two are encoded by distinct but adjacent genes on chromosome 20. Immunohistochemical detection of Neurophysin 1 provides high specificity for oxytocin-producing neurons and axons within the hypothalamus and neurohypophysis.

In research, Neurophysin 1 antibody is valuable for identifying oxytocin-secreting neurons and for mapping hypothalamo-pituitary neurosecretory pathways. It is used to evaluate neuronal activity under physiological and experimental conditions, including stress, reproductive function, and social behavior studies. Because Neurophysin 1 persists in neurosecretory granules even after oxytocin release, it offers a stable immunohistochemical marker of oxytocinergic systems in the brain and pituitary.

Neurophysin 1 antibody is suitable for detecting expression of the oxytocin carrier protein in tissue sections or cell models, providing insight into neuroendocrine regulation and hormone trafficking. NSJ Bioreagents provides Neurophysin 1 antibody validated for use in relevant research applications supporting studies in neuroendocrinology, hormone release, and hypothalamic physiology.

• Format: Purified

Customization & Add-ons: Can’t find the antibody you need—or require a custom format for your assay? We can help you source the best match or support custom antibody solutions for diverse research needs, including species and isotype selection, conjugations and labeling (e.g., HRP/AP, biotin, fluorophores), purification grade options (Protein A/G, affinity purified), formulation preferences (buffer selection, carrier-free, glycerol-free), custom concentrations and aliquoting, low-endotoxin options for cell-based work, and application-focused QC/validation support (project dependent). Click Talk to a Scientist to submit a request, email us at support@biohippo.com, or explore our Research Services for additional support—our team will follow up with feasibility details and next steps.

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