vasopressin

vasopressin /vaso·pres·sin/ (-pres´in) a hormone secreted by cells of the hypothalamic nuclei and stored in the posterior pituitary for release as necessary; it constricts blood vessels, raising the blood pressure, and increases peristalsis, exerts some influence on the uterus, and influences resorption of water by the kidney tubules, resulting in concentration of urine. In most mammals, including humans, it exists as the arginine form, a synthetic preparation of which is used as an antidiuretic and in tests of hypothalamo-neurohypophysial-renal function in the diagnosis of central diabetes insipidus. A lysine form occurs in pigs; the synthetic pharmaceutical preparation is lypressin.

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va·so·pres·sin (vz-prsn)

n.

Abbr. VP A hormone, related to oxytocin, that is secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, constricts blood vessels, raises blood pressure, stimulates intestinal motility, and reduces the excretion of urine. Also called antidiuretic hormone.

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Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin)

A hormone that acts on the kidneys to regulate water balance.

Mentioned in: Pituitary Dwarfism

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vasopressin.

See antidiuretic hormone.

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vasopressin (vā´zōpres´in),

n See hormone, antidiuretic.

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vasopressin

a hormone secreted by cells of the hypothalamic nuclei and stored in the posterior pituitary for release as necessary; it stimulates contraction of the muscular tissues of the capillaries and arterioles, raising the blood pressure, and increases peristalsis, exerts some influence on the uterus, and influences resorption of water by the kidney tubules, resulting in concentration of urine. Its rate of secretion is regulated chiefly by the osmolarity of the plasma. Also prepared synthetically or obtained from the posterior pituitary of domestic animals; used as an antidiuretic. Called also antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

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vasopressin test

see antidiuretic hormone response test.

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vasopressin

Antidiuretic hormone, see there