Vasopressin is a protein hormone consisting of 9 amino acids, which is necessary to regulate water metabolism in the human body, in its organs and tissues (synonyms - ADH, antidiuretic hormone). It is stored in encoded form on the 20th chromosome.
Vasopressin is produced by the hypothalamus, promotes water retention in the body, vascular contraction, and increases blood clotting due to its effect on the synthesis of prostacyclins and prostaglindins.
From Latin, the name “vasopressin” is deciphered by translating two component words - “vaso”, which means “vessel” and “press” - pressure. Literally - increasing blood pressure. The hormone is destroyed in the kidneys and liver in about 20 minutes. It is known that the gonads synthesize a small amount of ADH, but the purpose of this process remains a mystery.
The hormone vasopressin is an active stimulator of homeostasis
An increase in the production and secretion of vasopressin is usually observed with a significant decrease in the amount of fluid in the body, a decrease in blood volume and its level of osmolarity. In such cases, the hormone acts as a stabilizer of homeostasis and the protective functions of the body as a whole.
Among the conditions that can cause active production of vasopressin, it is worth highlighting:
- various bleedings;
- low blood pressure;
- consequences of taking diuretic drugs;
- dehydration.
Conditions often arise in which the hormone vasopressin is actively produced, regardless of the presence of objective reasons. Accelerated secretion of the hormone is usually called inadequate. In turn, the emergence of such an unhealthy trend may indicate the presence of serious diseases that require qualified diagnosis.
Synthesis of matter
The hormone is produced by macrocellular neurons in the hypothalamus. The nerve formations of the gland redirect new “portions” to the neurohypophysis.
ADH remains in an immature prohormone state all this time. Transformation into a full-fledged active substance occurs during the transition from the Golgi apparatus to the formations of the pituitary gland, where the substance combines with neurosecretory granules.
In the hypothalamus, only the formation of the base for future vasopressin occurs. The final transformation occurs during transfer, when the transport protein is cleaved from the hormone. Vasopressin accumulates in vesicles with the help of axons and, if necessary, enters the blood.
Hormone vasopressin - functions
Vasopressin has a direct effect on the walls of blood vessels, resulting in their narrowing, which, in turn, leads to an increase in blood pressure.
Thanks to the production of the hormone in the body, it becomes possible to regulate the reabsorption of fluid in the area of the renal canals. This function helps to increase the concentration of urine and delay its excretion.
A deficiency in the production of the hormone by the hypothalamus can lead to the development of endocrine diseases, for example, diabetes, one of the main symptoms of which is a significant increase in the volume of urine excreted. The result is severe dehydration.
Causes and symptoms of deviations
Secretion of antidiuretic hormone below or above normal occurs under the influence of many factors. In most cases, changes in ADH levels develop against the background of various pathologies. Stressful situations, acute pain, the use of local and general anesthesia also lead to fluctuations in antidiuretic hormone levels. Even body position affects the test results: “standing” and “sitting” ADH secretion increases, “lying” - decreases.
Vasopressin is increased
Causes of excess ADH secretion:
- prolactinoma – tumor of the pituitary gland;
- bleeding of any etiology and severity;
- chronic pathologies of the nervous system: psychoses, epilepsy;
- nephrogenic type of diabetes mellitus;
- syndrome of inappropriate secretion or complete suppression of the production of antidiuretic hormone;
- acute form of porphyria;
- severe blood diseases;
- violation of vasopressin secretion against the background of oncopathologies of various organs;
- previous stroke, brain abscess, heart attack;
- injuries in the brain area;
- temporal arteritis;
- a sharp decrease in potassium concentration in the blood;
- insufficient fluid intake into the body, swelling, cramps, nausea, fatigue, decreased daily diuresis;
- increased urine concentration;
- active loss of electrolytes combined with fluid accumulation.
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Parhon's syndrome with excessive production of ADH develops against the background of brain pathologies, intercellular neoplasms of the lungs, cystic fibrosis, and bronchopulmonary diseases. Some groups of drugs (in case of intolerance to the components) also provoke the development of Parhon syndrome. To eliminate the pathological process, the patient receives vaptans (vasopressin antagonists) and sharply limits fluid intake.
Many drugs increase antidiuretic hormone levels:
- Bromocriptine.
- Carbamazepine.
- MAO inhibitors.
- Barbiturates.
- Morphine.
- Tolbutamide.
- Haloperidol.
- Chlorpropamide.
- Paroxetine.
- Fluoxetine.
- Interferon alpha.
- Nitrourea derivatives.
- Isopreterenol.
- Clofibrate.
Decreased hormone levels
Reasons for decreasing the concentration of an important regulator:
- diabetes insipidus due to the destruction of arginine during pregnancy, meningitis, cerebral hemorrhage, encephalitis, undergoing radiation therapy, under the influence of radiation;
- development of the central form of diabetes insipidus in the absence of vasopressin secretion;
- prolonged intake of carbon dioxide into the body;
- primary polydipsia, against which the patient experiences excruciating thirst;
- postoperative period with active blood loss;
- administration of drugs by drip, which leads to an increase in blood volume;
- hypopituitarism due to damage to the pituitary gland and hormonal imbalance;
- consequences of traumatic brain injury.
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Decreased vasopressin secretion is a result of taking certain medications:
- Epinephrine.
- Demeclocycline.
- Butorphanol.
- Reserpine.
- Atropine.
- Alpha and beta adrenergic agonists.
- Phenytoin.
- Valproic acid.
- Doxycyline.
Drinking alcoholic beverages and strong coffee reduces the release of antidiuretic hormone into the blood. The supply of vasopressin decreases under the influence of stress and cold. Closer to old age, the secretion of antidiuretic hormone gradually decreases.
The role of the hormone vasopressin in the body
Vasopressin is a hormone, the entry of which into the blood most significantly affects the regulation of water metabolism in the body.
An increased concentration of the hormone in the blood leads to a decrease in the amount of urine excreted. Effects of vasopressin on the body:
- increasing the level of reabsorption of liquids;
- active removal of sodium from the blood;
- an increase in blood volume and pressure in the vessels;
- activation of processes of saturation of body tissues with fluid.
Vasopressin, among other things, has an active effect on the condition of muscle fibers. Moreover, oxytocin and vasopressin are hormones that, when combined, have a beneficial effect on the intellectual component of human activity and are involved in the formation of neural connections in the brain aimed at controlling aggressive reactions and forming feelings of attachment to loved ones. Perhaps that is why its second name: vasopressin - the hormone of fidelity.
Indications for testing
An analysis for vasopressin is prescribed in the process of complex diagnosis of pathologies and when certain symptoms occur:
- lack of desire to receive liquid or excruciating thirst;
- suspected development of a tumor in the brain;
- a sharp increase in daily diuresis;
- pronounced dryness of mucous membranes;
- convulsive syndrome;
- significant loss of strength;
- fainting, development of coma;
- violation of mineralogram indicators;
- urine has a low specific gravity;
- excessive emotionality develops, irritation often appears;
- significant accumulation of body weight in a short period of time;
- frequent nausea and loss of appetite;
- the patient complains of persistent hypotension (low blood pressure).
Preparation
In addition to the standard rules (taking blood on an empty stomach, reducing stress levels), there are other recommendations. Failure to comply often results in inaccurate results.
Important points:
- refusal of physical exercise on the day of the study;
- a categorical ban on smoking for several hours;
- insulin injection after blood collection (if possible);
- refusal of antipsychotropic and painkillers for 24 hours;
- cancellation two to three days before the study of drugs that change the concentration of ADH;
- giving up alcohol.
What does a lack of vasopressin synthesis lead to?
A decrease in the flow of vasopressin into the blood is the main reason for the inhibition of fluid uptake in the channels of the renal system and, as a consequence, the development of diabetes mellitus. People with insufficient production of the hormone may suffer from constant thirst, a feeling of dry mouth, and dry mucous membranes.
Without access to fluid, a person develops dehydration, which is accompanied by weight loss, decreased pressure in the arteries and vessels, and dysfunction of the nervous system.
The level of vasopressin in the blood is determined using blood and urine tests. However, such diagnostic methods often turn out to be uninformative, which requires additional tests.
Vasopressin is a hormone whose levels may be reduced due to genetic predisposition. Often, difficulties in producing the hormone occur as a result of the presence of tumors in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. In this case, the problem can be eliminated through surgery or radiation therapy.
Normal limits
The optimal vasopressin level is from 1 to 5 picograms/ml. It is important to know not only ADH levels, but also to determine blood osmolarity. With an increase in the level of vasopressin, osmolarity also increases; a decrease in the level of ADH leads to a decrease in the second indicator.
Important details:
- osmolarity less than 285 mmol/kg – ADH level should be in the range from 0 to 2 ng/l;
- osmolarity more than 280 mmol/kg - ADH values are calculated using the formula: (0.45 x osmolarity) - 126. For example: with an osmolarity of 290 mmol/kg, the vasopressin concentration should not be higher than 4-5 ng/l.
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Excess vasopressin in the blood
Excessive production of the hormone is known as Parhon's syndrome, which is a less common pathology.
Manifestations of the syndrome are expressed in a decrease in the density of blood plasma, excretion of concentrated urine from the body, and an increase in sodium levels. People with elevated levels of vasopressin are concerned about rapid weight gain, attacks of nausea, headaches, general weakness, and loss of appetite. Severe cases of excess vasopressin in the blood include conditions that cause loss of consciousness, coma, complete inhibition of vital body functions, which ultimately leads to death.
Lethargy and slowness
One of the symptoms of lack of fluid that invariably accompanies vasopressin deficiency is a feeling of lethargy.
With diabetes insipidus, the concentration of sodium and calcium in the blood increases, and the level of potassium decreases, and the brain ceases to receive enough nutrients to support its normal functioning. Lack of water also significantly impairs brain function: this organ is one of the first to suffer when dehydration occurs.
A person constantly feels lethargy, apathy, drowsiness, and even a long rest does not make him feel better. These are manifestations of asthenic syndrome, which may be accompanied by other symptoms:
- irritability;
- hot temper;
- difficulties in expressing thoughts;
- problems with memory, attention;
- increased fatigue;
- sudden changes in mood;
- feeling of powerlessness;
- anxiety;
- sleep disorders;
- increased sensitivity to loud noises, flashing or too bright lights.
Lethargy and drowsiness in diabetes mellitus may be accompanied by an increase in body temperature.
Drug restoration of normal vasopressin levels
To normalize the level of production and entry of the hormone into the blood, blockers of its concentration in the kidneys and pituitary gland are used, among which experts give preference, first of all, to Phenytoin and Demeclocycline, which affect vasopressin. The hormone returns to normal, and the patient is prescribed urea, which has a supporting effect on the body.
Significant advances in this area, as well as the development of modern diagnostic equipment, along with innovative medications, contribute to the effective fight against syndromes of deficiency and excess hormone content in the body.
Vasopressin is a hormone whose effects on the body are being actively studied all over the world today. Only timely diagnosis, as well as compliance with specialist recommendations, allows us to hope for a favorable outcome in the development of syndromes associated with impaired vasopressin levels.
Chemical characteristics of the substance
The complex process of synthesis of ADH or vasopressin also determines the rather complex chemical structure of the hormone. The molecular weight of this hormonal substance is 1100 D.
Chemists call this element a peptide compound, which consists of nine amino acid formations. Antidiuretic hormone is based on the following chemical compounds:
- Cysteine;
- Tyrosine;
- Phenylalanine;
- Glutamine;
- Proline;
- Asparagine;
- Glycine;
- Arginine (vasopressin cannot be formed without all these amino acids).
Weight gain
A progressive deficiency of vasopressin usually causes weight loss rather than weight gain, since with diabetes insipidus many people simply lose their appetite, and the loss of fluid and nutrients helps to reduce fat mass.
But in some cases, diabetes insipidus is accompanied by weight gain, up to severe obesity.
This happens due to the development of an eating disorder - polyphagia, in which a person ceases to feel full after eating and often experiences hunger.
Disorders that occur with low vasopressin levels lead to a significant deterioration of the condition, but timely initiation of treatment increases the chances of full recovery. Therefore, you should consult a specialist at the first symptoms.
Memory impairment
One of the functions of vasopressin is to influence certain receptors in the central nervous system, thereby improving the mechanisms of storing information.
Lack of vasopressin, accordingly, negatively affects memory and other related processes. Fluid deficiency and chronic lack of sleep also contribute to memory impairment.
When vasopressin levels are low, verbal memory, which is associated with memorizing and reproducing verbal and textual material, suffers the most. It becomes more difficult for a person to interact with information of this order, write texts, follow verbal instructions, remember the names of colleagues and distant acquaintances, he becomes absent-minded. At the same time, other types of memory may deteriorate, but less so.
The severity of memory impairment depends on the degree of hormone deficiency: the more significant the deficiency, the more it worsens. Standard exercises to strengthen memory at low concentrations of vasopressin are ineffective, and only timely treatment will make it possible to restore its previous volume.
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