Mesotocin and vasotocin, two neurohypophysial hormones in the ostrich, Struthio camelus

Two neurohypophysial hormones have been isolated from an avian species, the ostrich, Struthio camelus. Both have been characterized by amino acid analysis and sequence determination. The data obtained suggest that the oxytocin‐like hormone is [Ile8‐oxytocin] (mesotocin) and the vasopressin‐like hormone is [Ile3‐vasopressin] (vasotocin). Bioactivity measurements based on urinary conductivity showed vasotocin to be about five times as active as mesotocin. © 1986 Munksgaard International Publishers Ltd.