Introduction
(d(CH2)51,Tyr(Me)2,Arg8)-vasopressin, a kind of vasopressin, is a prohormone in neurons in the hypothalamus. Vasopressin is synthesized by hormone and released into the circulation due to the extracellular fluid hypertonicity. It elevates the solute-free water back into the circulation from the kidney tubules. Vasopressin also can increase peripheral vascular resistance, constrict arterioles, and raise arterial blood pressure.
Pharmacologic action
Vasopressin is used for the treatment of anti-diuretic hormone deficiency and the resulting diabetes insipidus. It is also suitable for gastrointestinal bleeding, vasodilatory shock, ventricular tachycardia and defibrillation. Vasopressin agonists can be utilized therapeutically in many types of bleeding, such as mild haemophilia A, von Willebrand disease and so on. Vasopressin infusions can also be applied as second line therapy in septic shock.
Functions
The enhanced plasma osmolality and decreased arterial blood volume can promote the secretion of vasopressin. Its secretion occurs in the magnocellular neurosecretory neurons of hypothalamus and supraoptic nucleus. The secreted vasopressin moves down the axon via infundibulum of the neurosecretory granules. Afterwards, it is transferred to the posterior pituitary gland to be maintained till being released into blood.
Pharmacokinetics and metabolism
Vasopressin can be administered through multiple devices, such as intravenous, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. The duration of action for vasopressin relies on the injections, from thirty minutes to two hours. It can widely distribute in extracellular fluid of whole body. Vasopressin is metabolized and degraded by liver and excreted out of the body through kidney. The use of vasopressin is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to meat proteins.
References:
1. Caldwell, H. K., & Young, W. S. (2006). Oxytocin and vasopressin: genetics and behavioral implications. In Handbook of neurochemistry and molecular neurobiology (pp. 573-607). Springer, Boston, MA.
2. Share, L. (1988). Role of vasopressin in cardiovascular regulation. Physiological Reviews, 68(4), 1248-1284.
3. Insel, T. R. (2010). The challenge of translation in social neuroscience: a review of oxytocin, vasopressin, and affiliative behavior. Neuron, 65(6), 768-779.
4. Ishikawa, S. E. (2015). Hyponatremia associated with heart failure: Pathological role of vasopressin-dependent impaired water excretion. Journal of clinical medicine, 4(5), 933-947.
