Table 5.
Research findings that illustrate the dynamic complexity of AVP, a peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus a.
| Biological functions |
| Regulates body water and sodium homeostasis by acting on renal nephrons to decrease urine volume and increase the concentration of urine Maintains plasma osmolality within narrow limits Encourages vasodilation in vascular smooth muscle cells by inducing NO production Affects liver metabolism (e.g., gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis) Stimulates the pancreas to produce either insulin or glucagon, depending on blood glucose concentration |
| Factors which influence neurohypohysial AVP release and plasma AVP concentration |
| Plasma osmolality Angiotensin II Oropharyngeal environment Water restriction and consumption Osmolar content of diet, especially sodium Hypoglycemia Blood volume and pressure Upright posture Emotional stress Exercise Circadian rhythmicity Hypoxia Nausea Pain |
| Diseases and disorders that involve AVP dysfunction |
| Diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus Syndrome of inappropriate ADH excess (SIADH) Sepsis Severe bleeding, hemorrhage Chronic hypernatremia Primary polydipsia syndrome, compulsive water drinking Kallmann’s syndrome Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease |