Question 1

What is Vasopressin?

Accepted Answer

Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH, arginine vasopressin/AVP) is a nonapeptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. Structurally similar to oxytocin (differing at only two positions), vasopressin plays critical roles in water homeostasis, blood pressure regulation, and social behavior. It acts through three receptor subtypes: V1a (vascular smooth muscle contraction, social behavior), V1b (ACTH release from pituitary), and V2 (renal water reabsorption). Synthetic vasopressin and its analogs are essential medications: desmopressin (DDAVP) for diabetes insipidus and nocturnal enuresis, vasopressin for vasodilatory shock and cardiac arrest, and terlipressin for hepatorenal syndrome. It is on the WHO List of Essential Medicines.

Question 2

How does Vasopressin work?

Accepted Answer

V1a receptors (Gq-coupled) on vascular smooth muscle mediate vasoconstriction through PLC/IP3/calcium signaling. V2 receptors (Gs-coupled) in renal collecting ducts drive aquaporin-2 (AQP2) insertion into the apical membrane via cAMP/PKA, enabling water reabsorption from urine. V1b receptors stimulate ACTH release from anterior pituitary corticotrophs. In the brain, V1a activation modulates pair bonding, social recognition, and aggression.

Question 3

What are the research applications of Vasopressin?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes Insipidus (Approved)

Desmopressin (DDAVP) is the standard treatment for central diabetes insipidus, replacing deficient ADH.

Vasodilatory Shock (Approved)

Vasopressin is used in septic shock and cardiac arrest per ACLS guidelines.

Social Behavior Research

V1a receptor signaling is studied for pair bonding, social recognition, and autism spectrum disorder.

Hemophilia/von Willebrand Disease (Approved)

Desmopressin releases stored von Willebrand factor and Factor VIII for mild hemophilia A and vWD.

Question 4

What are the biological pathways affected by Vasopressin?

Accepted Answer

V1a/Gq/PLC/calcium for vasoconstriction. V2/Gs/cAMP/PKA/AQP2 for water reabsorption. V1b/ACTH release for stress response. Central V1a signaling for social behavior.

Question 5

What are the potential side effects of Vasopressin?

Accepted Answer

Water intoxication/hyponatremia (V2-mediated water retention), headache, nausea, abdominal cramps. IV vasopressin: coronary vasoconstriction, digital ischemia at high doses. Desmopressin has less vasopressor activity (V2-selective).

Research Use Only. This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended for medical advice or self-medication.

Question 6

How should Vasopressin be stored?

Accepted Answer

Vasopressin injection: store at 2-8°C or controlled room temperature. Desmopressin: nasal spray at room temperature, tablets at 25°C. The disulfide bond is essential for activity.

Question 7

What is the regulatory status of Vasopressin?

Accepted Answer

FDA-approved: vasopressin injection (Vasostrict) for vasodilatory shock; desmopressin (DDAVP) for diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, hemophilia. WHO Essential Medicine. Not WADA-prohibited (medical use).

Question 8

Where can I find research studies on Vasopressin?

Accepted Answer

Scientific studies on Vasopressin can be found in peer-reviewed journals through databases like PubMed and Google Scholar.

Question 9

What quality standards should Vasopressin meet for research?

Accepted Answer

Research-grade Vasopressin should meet high purity standards, typically >95% purity, with proper analytical certification and storage requirements.

Vasopressin