Vasopressin is a hormone, one of the main functions of which is to delay and restore normal levels of fluid in the body. Active production of vasopressin helps to activate the kidneys and, accordingly, remove excess sodium from the body, thus ensuring a decrease in its level in the blood. Upon completion of the synthesis and production of the hormone in the hypothalamus of the brain, it freely "flows" into the pituitary gland along the nerve fibers, and then is released into the blood.
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 the level of its 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 bleeding;
- low blood pressure;
- consequences of taking diuretic drugs;
- dehydration.
Often there are conditions in which the hormone vasopressin is actively produced, regardless of the presence of objective reasons. Accelerated secretion of the hormone is called inadequate. In turn, the occurrence of such an unhealthy trend may indicate the presence of serious diseases, which requires qualified diagnosis.
The 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.
Due to the production of hormone in the body, it becomes possible to regulate fluid reabsorption in the renal canal region. This function helps to increase urine concentration and delay its secretion.
A deficiency in the production of the hormone by the hypothalamus can lead to the development of endocrine diseases, for example, diabetes mellitus, one of the main symptoms of which is a significant increase in the volume of urine excreted. The result is severe dehydration.
The role of the hormone vasopressin for the body
Vasopressin is a hormone whose entry into the blood most 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.
The effect of vasopressin on the body:
- increased level of reverse absorption of liquids;
- active removal of sodium from the blood;
- increase in blood volume and pressure in blood vessels;
- activation of processes of saturation of body tissues with liquid.
Vasopressin, among other things, has an active effect on the state of muscle fibers. Moreover, oxytocin and vasopressin are hormones that, in combination, have a beneficial effect on the intellectual component of human activity and are involved in the formation of nerve connections in the brain aimed at controlling aggressive reactions and the formation of feelings of affection for loved ones. Perhaps that is why its second name: vasopressin is a hormone of fidelity.
What causes the lack of vasopressin synthesis?
Reducing the intake of vasopressin in the blood is the main cause of inhibition of fluid uptake in the channels of the renal system and, as a consequence, the development of diabetes mellitus. Persons with insufficient hormone production can be tormented by constant thirst, a feeling of dry mouth, and drying out of the mucous membranes.
In the absence of access to fluid, a person develops dehydration, which is accompanied by weight loss, a decrease in pressure in the arteries and blood vessels, and a violation of the functions of the nervous system.
Blood levels of vasopressin are determined using a blood and urine test. However, such diagnostic methods often turn out to be uninformative, which requires additional analyzes.
Vasopressin is a hormone that can be lowered due to a genetic predisposition. Often, difficulties in hormone production arise as a result of the presence of tumors in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. In this case, the elimination of the problem is possible through surgical intervention or radiation therapy.
Excessive blood vasopressin
Excessive production of the hormone is known as Parhon syndrome, which is a rare pathology. Manifestations of the syndrome are expressed in a decrease in blood plasma density, removal of concentrated urine from the body, and an increase in sodium level.
People with elevated vasopressin levels are concerned about rapid weight gain, nausea, headaches, general weakness, and loss of appetite. Severe cases of excess vasopressin in the blood include conditions that cause loss of consciousness, to whom, complete inhibition of vital functions of the body, which ultimately leads to death.
Elimination of the pathological syndrome of inadequate production of vasopressin
Currently, the root of therapy aimed at bringing hormone secretion to normal is the elimination of the underlying pathology that causes this diagnosis. The most effective method of normalizing hormone production is considered to be control over fluid intake.
Often during therapy, patients are prescribed drugs whose components help to block the effect of vasopressin on the body. This is primarily a medical device containing lithium carbonate.
Drug recovery of a normal level of vasopressin
To normalize the level of hormone production and intake in the blood, blockers of its concentration in the kidneys and pituitary gland are used, among which experts prefer, first of all, “Phenytoin” and “Demeclocycline”, which affect vasopressin. The hormone returns to normal, and the patient is prescribed urea, which has a supportive effect on the body.
The significant success 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 in the body.
Vasopressin is a hormone whose effect on the body is being actively studied all over the world today. Only timely diagnosis, as well as compliance with the recommendations of specialists, allows us to hope for a favorable outcome in the development of syndromes associated with a violation of the level of vasopressin.