Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone): these are its functions

This hormone regulates the reabsorption of water molecules and thus promotes fluid retention.

Hormones are chemical compounds which, when released by endocrine glands into the Blood or nervous system of living beings, exert modulating effects on the functions of other cells and body structures.

One of the most relevant and well-known human hormones is vasopressin or antidiuretic hormone, which is essential for fluid retention or stress response, among other phenomena. In this article we will analyze the properties and functions of vasopressin..

What is vasopressin?

Vasopressin is also known as "argipressin", "arginine vasopressin" and "antidiuretic hormone".. As the latter name suggests, this hormone has functions related to the reabsorption of water molecules through the kidneys and to reducing the amount of urine accumulated in the body.

It is an oligopeptide, i.e. a molecule composed of the union of a small number of amino acids, specifically 9. In contrast, polypeptides are groups of between 10 and 100 amino acids, whereas we speak of "proteins" to refer to groups of more than 100 molecules of this type.

Specifically, vasopressin contains an amino group (-NH2), cysteine (Cys), tyrosine (Tyr), phenylalanine (Phe), glutamine (Gln), asparagine (Asn), proline (Pro), arginine (Arg) and a carboxyl group (-COOH).

Vasopressin is secreted by the neurohypophysis, the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, and the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, in response to changes in osmotic concentration and blood volume. Although most of the vasopressin we produce is released into the bloodstream, its effects on the brain also explain some of its functions.

Other pituitary hormones

The pituitary gland is one of the major endocrine glands.. It performs an intermediary function between the hypothalamus, which initiates hormone secretion, and the rest of the endocrine system by sending biochemical signals.

This structure is composed of two lobes: the anterior or adenohypophysis and the posterior or neurohypophysis. While the posterior pituitary stores the hormones vasopressin and oxytocin (related to motherhood and orgasm), the adenohypophysis secretes thyrotropin-releasing hormones, corticotropin, gonadotropins and growth hormone.

Functions of this hormone

The main functions of vasopressin are associated with its ability to regulate kidney activity; however, this hormone also has effects on other body systems, including the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

Retention and reabsorption of fluids

Vasopressin increases the permeability of kidney cells, increasing the amount of water they absorb; this function is called "antidiuresis".. This process also involves an increase in urine concentration due to the reduced availability of fluid in the excretory system.

On the other hand, the antidiuretic hormone also reabsorbs urea, the main chemical compound in urine, formed by waste products of the organism. This prevents excessive frequency of urination.

2. Maintenance of homeostatic balance

Homeostasis (self-regulation of the internal environment of organisms) depends on a large number of factors; among these is vasopressin activity. If the homeostatic mechanisms fail, problems such as dehydration and acidosis can occur.

This hormone helps to maintain the electrolyte balance of the bloodstream by retaining and reabsorption of adequate amounts of water, glucose and sodium, among other chemical compounds relevant to the body's metabolism.among other chemical compounds relevant to the functioning of the body.

3. Increased blood pressure

Another of the most prominent effects of vasopressin is the increase in blood pressure. This function occurs as a consequence of the vasoconstrictive properties of this hormone, which have a moderate intensity. The potentiating role of vasopressin on hormones and neurotransmitters associated with stress is also is also important in explaining this effect.

4. Modulation of the stress response

Although scientific research has not fully confirmed it at this time, there is strong evidence that vasopressin has a modulatory effect on the body's response to stressful (or anxiogenic) situations.

Antidiuretic hormone regulates the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone, also called "adrenocorticotropic hormone-releasing hormone". This compound promotes the secretion of corticosteroids such as aldosterone and cortisol, mainly associated with vasoconstriction.mainly associated with vasoconstriction and stress response by the adrenal gland.

5. Reduction of pain sensation

In recent years, the involvement of vasopressin in the modulation of pain sensations has begun to be studied. It is believed that this hormone could act as an analgesic.This would imply that, when released under certain conditions, vasopressin would have reinforcing effects due to the positive sensations associated with its secretion.

6. Formation of sexual and social bonds

Rodent studies suggest that the release of vasopressin also acts as an enhancer of social enhancer of social bonds, especially those between partners.. In humans, these effects have been found mainly in males and are related to the direct release of antidiuretic hormone in the reward circuits of the central nervous system.