Vasopressin, oxytocin and synthetic analogues: The use of bioassays

Bioassay procedures have been the prerequisite for detection, purification, elucidation of the structure and the synthesis of neurohypophysial hormones. After a review of the history of these bioassays and of the standard preparations including international standards, the current international standards and the bioassay methods prescribed by the pharmacopoeias are described. Some important methodological details are also mentioned.