A Review of the Nonpressor and Nonantidiuretic Actions of the Hormone Vasopressin

Abstract

The pressor and antidiuretic actions of arginine vasopressin (AVP) have been well documented. This review focuses on the less widely appreciated actions of AVP which also have important physiologic functions and when better understood may provide important insights into common disease states. These actions include effects on pain perception and bone structure as well as important relationships to the varied components of metabolic syndrome. These include effects on blood glucose, lipid levels, and blood pressure. AVP may also play a role in the progression of chronic kidney disease and effect physiologic changes relating to aging, abnormal social behavior, and cognitive function. Important cellular responses including cell proliferation, inflammation, and control of infection and their relationship to AVP are described. Finally, the effects of AVP on hemostasis and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis are noted. The goal of this summary of the various actions of AVP is to direct attention to the potential benefits of research in these underemphasized areas of importance.

Pituitary lacks sexual dimorphism and displays reduced signal intensity on T1-weighted MRI in adolescents with histories of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure

“…Vasopressin is involved in hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary, water reabsorption in the kidneys, and cardiovascular homeostasis (Koshimizu et al, 2012). However, it is important to note that vasopressin also has modulatory actions on a number of behaviors, including aggression, social bonding, and anxiety (Mavani et al, 2015). The reduced signal intensity in our alcohol-exposed subjects may have important implications for any of these processes.…”

Association of copeptin, a surrogate marker for arginine vasopressin secretion, with insulin resistance: Influence of adolescence and psychological stress

“…Several AVP-receptors have been identified (V1A, V1B and V2) [8,30], and in in vitro experiments and animal models, AVP has been shown to increase insulin and glucagon secretion, depending on glucose levels, and to increase hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis [8,30]. In normal male volunteers [31], an intravenous infusion of AVP did not affect serum insulin concentrations or glucose disposal but resulted in higher plasma glucose concentrations through an increase in glucose appearance [31].…”

Hydration for Health: So What? Ten Advances in Recent Hydration History

“…It acts via V2 receptors to modulate water reabsorption in renal collecting ducts and thus adjust urinary water losses to maintain body water homeostasis in response to changes in daily water intake. Beyond its role in body water homeostasis, AVP also has widespread central and peripheral effects that make it an interesting candidate in the study of many diseases [35]; however, its instability and rapid clearance have historically made reliable measurement difficult [36]. Copeptin, the C-terminal portion of the AVP prohormone, is released in equimolar concentration to AVP, and therefore would provide a quantitative measure of AVP release.…”