Functions of vasopressin (ADH), what it is, deviations from the norm of antidiuretic hormone. Vasopressin - fidelity hormone: functions in the body

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is a protein substance that is produced in the hypothalamus. Its main role in the body is to maintain water balance. ADH binds to specific receptors located in the kidneys. As a result of their interaction, fluid retention occurs.

Some pathological conditions accompanied by a violation of the production of the hormone or a change in sensitivity to its effects. With its deficiency, diabetes insipidus develops, and with an excess, the syndrome of inadequate ADH secretion develops.

Characteristics and role of the hormone

The precursor of antidiuretic hormone (or vasopressin) is produced in the neurosecretory nuclei of the hypothalamus. By processes nerve cells it is carried to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. In the process of transport, mature ADH and the neurophysin protein are formed from it. Secretory granules containing the hormone accumulate in the neurohypophysis. Partially, vasopressin enters the anterior lobe of the organ, where it participates in the regulation of the synthesis of corticotropin, which is responsible for the work of the adrenal glands.

Hormone secretion is controlled through osmo- and baroreceptors. These structures respond to changes in fluid volume and pressure in the vascular bed. Enhance the production of vasopressin factors such as stress, infection, bleeding, nausea, pain, chorionic gonadotropin, severe lung injury. Its production is affected by the intake of certain drugs. The concentration of ADH in the blood depends on the time of day - at night it is usually 2 times higher than during the day.

Drugs that affect the secretion and action of the hormone:

Regulation of secretion and effects of vasopressin

Vasopressin, together with other hormones - atrial natriuretic peptide, aldosterone, angiotensin II, controls water and electrolyte balance. However, the importance of ADH in the regulation of water retention and excretion is leading. It promotes fluid retention in the body by reducing urine output.

The hormone also performs other functions:

regulation vascular tone and raising blood pressure;
stimulation of the secretion of corticosteroids in the adrenal glands;
influence on blood coagulation processes;
the synthesis of prostaglandins and the release of renin in the kidneys;
improving learning ability.

Mechanism of action

On the periphery, the hormone binds to sensitive receptors. The effects of vasopressin depend on their type and location.

Types of ADH receptors:

The structural and functional unit of the kidney, in which plasma filtration and urine formation occurs, is the nephron. One of its components is the collecting duct. It carries out the processes of reabsorption (reabsorption) and secretion of substances that allow maintaining water-electrolyte metabolism.

The action of ADH in renal tubules

The interaction of the hormone with type 2 receptors in the collecting ducts activates a specific enzyme, protein kinase A. As a result, the number of water channels, aquaporins-2, increases in the cell membrane. Through them, water moves along the osmotic gradient from the lumen of the tubules into the cells and the extracellular space. It is assumed that ADH enhances the tubular secretion of sodium ions. As a result, the volume of urine decreases, it becomes more concentrated.

In pathology, there is a violation of the formation of the hormone in the hypothalamus or a decrease in the sensitivity of receptors to its action. The lack of vasopressin or its effects leads to the development of diabetes insipidus, which is manifested by thirst and an increase in urine volume. In some cases, it is possible to increase the production of ADH, which is also accompanied by a water-electrolyte imbalance.

diabetes insipidus

At diabetes insipidus stands out a large number of diluted urine. Its volume reaches 4-15 or more liters per day. The cause of the pathology is the absolute or relative insufficiency of ADH, resulting in a decrease in water reabsorption in the renal tubules. The condition may be temporary or permanent.

Patients note an increase in the amount of urine - polyuria, and increased thirst - polydipsia. With adequate fluid replacement, other symptoms do not bother. If the loss of water exceeds its intake into the body, signs of dehydration develop - dry skin and mucous membranes, weight loss, drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased excitability. age feature older people is a decrease in the number of osmoreceptors, so in this group the risk of dehydration is greater.

There are the following forms of the disease:

Central- due to a decrease in the production of vasopressin by the hypothalamus due to injuries, tumors, infections, systemic and vascular diseases affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary zone. Less commonly, the cause of the condition is an autoimmune process - hypophysitis.
Nephrogenic- develops due to a decrease in the sensitivity of renal receptors to the action of ADH. In this case, diabetes is hereditary or occurs against the background of benign prostatic hyperplasia, sickle cell anemia, adherence to a low-protein diet, and lithium preparations. Pathology can be provoked by increased excretion of calcium in the urine - hypercalciuria, and low content potassium in the blood - hypokalemia.
Primary polydipsia- occurs with excessive fluid intake and is psychogenic in nature.
diabetes insipidus in pregnancy- a temporary condition associated with increased destruction of vasopressin by an enzyme synthesized by the placenta.

For the diagnosis of diseases, functional tests with fluid restriction and the appointment of vasopressin analogues are used. During their conduct, the change in body weight, the volume of urine excreted and its osmolarity are evaluated, the electrolyte composition of the plasma is determined, and a blood test is taken to study the concentration of ADH. Research is carried out under medical supervision. If you suspect central shape brain MRI is shown.

Treatment of pathology depends on the variant of its course. In all cases it is necessary to use enough liquids. To increase the level of vasopressin in the body in central diabetes, hormone analogues are prescribed - Desmopressin, Minirin, Nativa, Vazomirin. The drugs selectively act on type 2 receptors in the collecting ducts and increase water reabsorption. In the nephrogenic form, the root cause of the disease is eliminated, in some cases it is effective to prescribe large doses of Desmopressin, the use of thiazide diuretics.

Vasopressin, or antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is considered a neurohormone. Vasopressin is produced in the hypothalamus, after which it enters the posterior pituitary gland and accumulates there for some time. When a certain level is reached, it enters the bloodstream. While in the pituitary gland, vasopressin has a stimulating effect on the production of ACTH, which, in turn, controls the work of the adrenal glands.

Fact: ADH also accumulates in the cerebrospinal fluid, but in much smaller amounts.

The level of vasopressin in the human body is not constant and depends on osmotic pressure, i.e. on the amount of fluid received. A large amount of water stimulates a large production of it, while with a lack of it, the level of antidiuretic hormone is much lower.

Functions

Vasopressin is important hormone for the body, but not multifunctional. Anterior pituitary hormones - somatotropin, prolactin, ACTH, etc. - are considered to be acting more extensively than the hormones of the posterior lobe - vasopressin and oxytocin.

The main functions of the hormone vasopressin:

regulates the excretion of fluid through the kidneys;
reduces the volume of urine output and increases its concentration;
participates in the processes occurring in the blood vessels and the brain;
stimulates the production of ACTH by increasing its own production;
maintains the tone of the muscles of internal organs;
increases blood pressure;
increases blood clotting;
improves memory;
responsible for some psychological processes- search for a sexual partner, the development of parental instinct (in conjunction with oxytocin).

Fact: due to similarity chemical formula vasopressin is able to perform the work of oxytocin to some extent, while oxytocin can only perform its functions.

Conducting analysis and norms

The rate of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin in the blood depends on the plasma osmolality - the ratio of the amount of fluid to the substances contained in it.

Before conducting an analysis for ADH, it is necessary to refrain from strong physical activity stop taking medical preparations capable of influencing its level. It is important to follow a diet - stop drinking alcohol, coffee and smoking for 1-2 days before the analysis. You need to donate blood for vasopressin in the morning, on an empty stomach, the last meal before this should be no later than 10 hours.

The norm of vasopressin.

Excess ADH

The cause of the excessive action of antidiuretic hormone may be some conditions:

big blood loss;
long stay in an upright position;
heat;
pain sensations;
insufficient amount of potassium in the blood;
stress.

Important: a short-term increase in ADH caused by these causes will not harm the body. Its quantity is normalized independently.

High levels can also be caused by certain diseases:

diabetes insipidus - in the absence of sensitivity to vasopressin, an excessive amount of sodium accumulates, there is no fluid retention;
Parkhon's syndrome - an excessive amount of water in the body and a lack of sodium, expressed by general weakness, swelling, nausea;
diseases of the nervous system - encephalitis, meningitis, tumors and other formations of the brain, etc.;
diseases of the pituitary gland and / or hypothalamus;
the presence of oncological neoplasms;
diseases of the respiratory system;
the presence of infections;
blood diseases.

Lack of ADH

There are fewer reasons for lowering ADH levels. The deficiency can manifest itself with central diabetes insipidus, a significant increase in the total blood volume (after droppers or operations), with prolonged horizontal position, hypothermia, head trauma, or pituitary disease.

Diseases caused by changes in the secretion of vasopressin

diabetes insipidus

Diabetes insipidus is a violation of water metabolism in the body.

Fact: It is diabetes insipidus that is the most common disease in violation of the secretion of vasopressin.

accelerated breakdown of ADH;
the presence of neoplasms in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus and / or a violation of their work;
decreased sensitivity to ADH;
genetic predisposition;
brain injury;
unsuccessful surgical intervention;
the presence of oncology;
autoimmune processes in the body;
the presence of infectious diseases.

The main symptoms are an increase Bladder, frequent and profuse urination, excessive thinness, nausea with bouts of vomiting, low blood pressure, visual disturbances, frequent headaches.

For diagnosis, an anamnesis is taken, after which tests are prescribed for urine density, blood plasma osmolarity, and the amount of glucose, potassium, sodium and calcium in the blood is determined. Since antidiuretic hormone is produced in the hypothalamus, an MRI of the latter and the pituitary gland may be prescribed.

Important: there are several types of diabetes insipidus, to determine the condition of which a certain number of tests are prescribed.

Treatment includes the use of artificial analogues of ADH (Minirin, Adiuretin, Desmopressin) to restore water balance. With changes in the patient's condition, the dosage changes.

The dosage of drugs may vary depending on the course of the disease and individual features patient.

It is necessary to control the amount of fluid consumed per day and try to drink drinks that effectively quench thirst, even in small quantities. It is necessary to give up alcohol, salty and protein foods. The diet should include as many vegetables, fruits and dairy products as possible.

Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of ADH

diseases of the hypothalamus;
diseases of the central nervous system;
dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
insufficient work of the adrenal glands;
prolonged stress, psychosis;
bad habits (alcoholism, drug addiction);
diseases of the lungs and respiratory system;
presence of oncology.

This syndrome is characterized by high fluid content in the body and a lack of sodium, caused by insufficient activity of ADH or lack of sensitivity to it. In addition, urination becomes abundant (polyuria), obesity, swelling, weakness, headaches, nausea and vomiting appear.

Important: in a severe form of the disease, too much fluid intake leads to "water intoxication", resulting in loss of consciousness, convulsions and coma.

Diagnosis includes studies on the level of sodium in the blood and urine, the osmolarity of blood and urine, the level of vasopressin. MRI and CT of the brain, X-ray of the skull, ultrasound of the kidneys are performed.

Treatment of the syndrome takes place in conjunction with the treatment of the underlying disease. The main rule during treatment is to consume as little liquid as possible. Additionally, drugs are prescribed to reduce the secretion of ADH.

Conclusion

Vasopressin does not have large quantity functions, but a violation of its secretion can lead to the development serious illnesses. To prevent them, you must regularly visit your doctor and 1-2 times a year carry out full examination organism.

The balance of fluid and electrolytes in the human body is maintained by several mechanisms. One of the regulatory factors is the antidiuretic hormone (ADH, vasopressin) of the hypothalamus. It's biologically active substance affects the kidneys, smooth muscles of blood vessels and organs, central nervous system.

Hormone structure

ADH is a peptide chemical structure. It contains nine amino acid residues.

Hormone amino acids:

cysteine (1 and 6 in the chain);
tyrosine;
phenylalanine;
glutamine;
asparagine;
proline;
arginine;
glycine.

The molecular weight of antidiuretic hormone is about 1100 D.

Synthesis and secretion

Vasopressin is produced from amino acids in the cells of the hypothalamus. In the neurons of this part of the brain, the prohormone precursor is secreted. Further, this chemical compound enters the Golgi cell apparatus and is modified into a prohormone. In this form, the future ADH combines with neurosecretory granules and is transported to the posterior pituitary gland. During transport from the hypothalamus, vasopressin is cleaved into the mature hormone and neurophysin (transport protein).

Both substances are deposited in the terminal extensions of axons in the posterior pituitary gland. It is from there that the hormone is released into the blood under certain stimuli.

Secretion stimulation

Antidiuretic hormone responds to changes in the electrolyte composition of the blood.

Stimuli for vasopressin secretion:

an increase in sodium levels in the blood;
increase in the osmotic pressure of the extracellular fluid.

Synthesis and secretion of the hormone are enhanced by signals from two types of receptors. The first of these are the osmoreceptors of the hypothalamus. They react to the ratio of the concentration of salts and water in the blood. If this parameter changes at least by 0.5-1%, then the release of ADH increases significantly. The second are atrial baroreceptors. They rate the level blood pressure. If the pressure drops, then the synthesis and secretion of vasopressin increase.

Normally, the release of the hormone into the blood increases after:

profuse sweating;
physical activity;
eating salty food;
fluid restrictions in the diet;
changes in body position (when standing up).

Vasopressin has certain circadian rhythms. The hormone is more produced and released at night. This pattern is especially well observed in the prone position.

The circadian rhythm of ADH production develops with age. In children under one year old, there is no significant increase in the concentration of the hormone in the blood at night. Next, a nocturnal peak of secretion is formed. If the mechanisms of growing up are late, then the child may be diagnosed with enuresis.

Receptors for ADH

Antidiuretic hormone is perceived by cells of the kidneys, smooth muscle fibers and neurons. There are two types of membrane components sensitive to this substance.

Allocate:

V1 receptors;
V2 receptors.

Water retention in the body under the action of ADH occurs due to V2 receptors, and an increase in vascular tone occurs due to V1 receptors.

The genes for ADH receptors have been cloned; the type V2 receptor gene is localized on the X chromosome.

V1 structures are found in vascular smooth muscle cells, liver, and brain. The affinity of vasopressin for them is quite low. The effect of the hormone is fixed only at its high concentrations.

V2 structures are located in the kidney. They are responsible for the main action of ADH. Receptors are found on the cell membranes of the distal tubules and collecting ducts. Even low concentrations vasopressin in the blood affect the receptors.

Hormone and receptor genetics

Vasopressin is encoded in the gene on the twentieth chromosome (20p13). It carries information about the prohormone and its precursor. The gene has a complex structure: three exons and two introns.

The vasopressin receptor genes have been cloned. It has been proven that the type V2 receptor is located on the tenth chromosome.

Action of ADH

Vasopressin has several effects. His main biological action- antidiuretic. If ADH is not synthesized, then the kidneys stop concentrating urine. Its density becomes as low as that of blood plasma. Up to 20 liters of urine can form per day.

If the antidiuretic hormone is present in the blood plasma, then it binds to receptors in the kidneys (type V2). This reaction stimulates adenylate cyclase and protein kinase A. Then the aquaporin-2 protein gene is expressed. This substance is incorporated into the membrane renal tubules and forms channels for water.

As a result, there is a reuptake of water from the tubules. Urine becomes more concentrated and its volume decreases.

In plasma, on the contrary, osmolarity decreases. The volume of circulating blood and tissue fluid increases.

Other effects of ADH:

stimulation of glycogen synthesis in the liver;
increased tone of smooth muscle fibers;
vasoconstrictor effect;
reduction of mesanglial cells;
regulation of platelet aggregation;
regulation of the release of adrenocorticotropin, prolactin endorphins.

Until now, the effect of vasopressin on the central nervous system has not been fully studied. It is believed that the hormone is partially responsible for behavioral reactions (aggression, attachment to offspring, sexual behavior). ADH can be the cause of depression and other psychiatric illnesses.

Disturbances in the synthesis and secretion of ADH

Lack of synthesis or sensitivity to vasopressin (type V2 receptors) is the cause of diabetes insipidus.

This disease is of two types:

central form;
renal form.

Patients with diabetes insipidus develop profuse diuresis. The volume of urine per day is significantly higher than normal (1-2 liters). Complaints of patients are associated with dehydration (hypotension, dry skin and mucous membranes, weakness).

Inadequate secretion of the hormone occurs with another disease - Parhon's syndrome. This rare disease has a heavy clinical picture: convulsions, lack of appetite, nausea, loss of consciousness.

Insufficient release of vasopressin into the blood at night is observed in childhood. If this situation persists after 4 years, then enuresis is likely to develop.

Norm ADH

Normal values of vasopressin depend on the level of plasma osmolarity. At an osmolarity of 275–290 mosmo/L, ADH should be between 1.5 ng/L and 5 ng/L. For accurate diagnosis diabetes insipidus and Parkhon's syndrome, stress tests are recommended.

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Some pathological conditions are accompanied by a violation of the production of the hormone or a change in sensitivity to its effects. With its deficiency, diabetes insipidus develops, and with an excess, the syndrome of inadequate ADH secretion develops.

Characteristics and role of the hormone

The precursor of antidiuretic hormone (or vasopressin) is produced in the neurosecretory nuclei of the hypothalamus. Through the processes of nerve cells, it is transferred to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. In the process of transport, mature ADH and the neurophysin protein are formed from it. Secretory granules containing the hormone accumulate in the neurohypophysis. Partially, vasopressin enters the anterior lobe of the organ, where it participates in the regulation of the synthesis of corticotropin, which is responsible for the work of the adrenal glands.

Hormone secretion is controlled through osmo- and baroreceptors. These structures respond to changes in fluid volume and pressure in the vascular bed. Enhance the production of vasopressin factors such as stress, infection, bleeding, nausea, pain, human chorionic gonadotropin, severe lung damage. Its production is affected by the intake of certain drugs. The concentration of ADH in the blood depends on the time of day - at night it is usually 2 times higher than during the day.

Drugs that affect the secretion and action of the hormone:

Regulation of secretion and effects of vasopressin

Vasopressin, together with other hormones - atrial natriuretic peptide, aldosterone, angiotensin II, controls the water and electrolyte balance. However, the importance of ADH in the regulation of water retention and excretion is leading. It promotes fluid retention in the body by reducing urine output.

The hormone also performs other functions:

regulation of vascular tone and increased blood pressure;
stimulation of the secretion of corticosteroids in the adrenal glands;
influence on blood coagulation processes;
the synthesis of prostaglandins and the release of renin in the kidneys;
improving learning ability.

Mechanism of action

On the periphery, the hormone binds to sensitive receptors. The effects of vasopressin depend on their type and location.

Types of ADH receptors:

The structural and functional unit of the kidney, in which plasma filtration and urine formation occurs, is the nephron. One of its components is the collecting duct. It carries out the processes of reabsorption (reabsorption) and secretion of substances that allow maintaining water-electrolyte metabolism.

Action of ADH in the renal tubules

diabetes insipidus

With diabetes insipidus a large amount of diluted urine is excreted. Its volume reaches 4-15 or more liters per day. The cause of the pathology is the absolute or relative insufficiency of ADH, resulting in a decrease in water reabsorption in the renal tubules. The condition may be temporary or permanent.

Patients note an increase in the amount of urine - polyuria, and increased thirst - polydipsia. With adequate fluid replacement, other symptoms do not bother. If the loss of water exceeds its intake into the body, signs of dehydration develop - dry skin and mucous membranes, weight loss, drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased excitability. The age feature of the elderly is a decrease in the number of osmoreceptors, so this group is at greater risk of dehydration.

There are the following forms of the disease:

Central- due to a decrease in the production of vasopressin by the hypothalamus due to injuries, tumors, infections, systemic and vascular diseases affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary zone. Less commonly, the cause of the condition is an autoimmune process - hypophysitis.
Nephrogenic- develops due to a decrease in the sensitivity of renal receptors to the action of ADH. In this case, diabetes is hereditary or occurs against the background of benign prostatic hyperplasia, sickle cell anemia, adherence to a low-protein diet, and lithium preparations. Pathology can be provoked by increased excretion of calcium in the urine - hypercalciuria, and a low content of potassium in the blood - hypokalemia.
Primary polydipsia- occurs with excessive fluid intake and is psychogenic in nature.
diabetes insipidus in pregnancy- a temporary condition associated with increased destruction of vasopressin by an enzyme synthesized by the placenta.

For the diagnosis of diseases, functional tests with fluid restriction and the appointment of vasopressin analogues are used. During their conduct, the change in body weight, the volume of urine excreted and its osmolarity are evaluated, the electrolyte composition of the plasma is determined, and a blood test is taken to study the concentration of ADH. Studies are performed only under medical supervision. If a central form is suspected, an MRI of the brain is indicated.

Treatment of pathology depends on the variant of its course. In all cases, it is necessary to drink a sufficient amount of liquid. To increase the level of vasopressin in the body in central diabetes, hormone analogues are prescribed - Desmopressin, Minirin, Nativa, Vazomirin. The drugs selectively act on type 2 receptors in the collecting ducts and increase water reabsorption. In the nephrogenic form, the root cause of the disease is eliminated, in some cases it is effective to prescribe large doses of Desmopressin, the use of thiazide diuretics.

Vasopressin is a hormonal substance that regulates the process of removing fluid from the body. This is the only element that performs this function in the human body.

With the development various pathologies the synthesis of this hormone can be impaired, leading to uncontrolled diuresis. Let's try to figure out what the hormone vasopressin is, where it is produced and why our body needs it.

Main characteristics and features of vasopressin

First, let's figure out what it is - antidiuretic hormone.

This substance has a protein structure, and consists of 9 amino acids. It is quite quickly (less than half an hour) undergoes destruction in the kidney and liver cells, so the process of its production is regular, cyclic.

Where is it synthesized?

Where is vasopressin produced? ADH is a substance that is synthesized by the cells of the hypothalamus. After that, it penetrates into the posterior lobe of the cerebral pituitary gland, where its concentration gradually increases. And only from the pituitary cells it is released into the blood in the required amount.

It has been proven that the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin is also produced by the gonads, but in limited quantities. However, the essence and purpose this process remains unknown.

The main features of the hormone

ADH is a substance that not only has an antidiuretic effect. This element also affects more serious functions of the body. In particular, for the production of ACTH.

The hormone takes part in many processes, and affects various bodies and systems. For its active production should be created special conditions. This can be stress, fear, strong emotion, gastrointestinal pathologies accompanied by profuse vomiting or diarrhea, during which the human body loses a large amount of fluid, etc. When the water balance is restored, the hypothalamic cells gradually reduce the amount of ADH produced to normal limits.

As you can see, antidiuretic hormone is a multifunctional substance that is extremely important for the full functioning of endocrine system. But its functions are not limited to this, so they should be considered in more detail.

Functional tasks of the ADG

biological functions vasopressin are:

stimulation of the process of fluid reabsorption in the kidneys;
reducing the amount of sodium in the body;
an increase in the volume of blood in the blood vessels;
increase in the volume of water in the body;
regulation of blood pressure (in particular, the hormone contributes to its increase);
memory stimulation;
improving the ability to learn;
control of social behavior.

These are the main effects of vasopressin, but there are a few more things to be aware of. The hormone affects the concentration of urine, reduces its volume. Thus, only required amount waste fluid, and all useful substances remain in cells and tissues. This suggests that vasopressin has an antidiuretic effect.

In addition, the hormone has hemostatic properties, as it improves blood clotting. This is achieved through spasm. blood vessels caused by the activity of this substance. Its production is greatly enhanced in stressful situations, at shock states, pain syndromes and heavy bleeding.

It is interesting. Vasopressin is called the hormones of fidelity. And this is quite justified, since with its sufficient content in the blood of a person, not only social, but also family behavior is formed. This means that men and women who do not suffer from a deficiency of this substance are more attached to loved ones and relatives (especially spouse) than those whose hypothalamus secretes an insufficient amount of it.

So, having studied the mechanism of action of vasopressin and its main tasks in the human body, we can conclude that with its direct participation, many important processes. Any deviation from the norm can lead to serious disorders, as well as signal health problems.

lack of vasopressin

If the process of hormone secretion is disturbed, ailments occur, which should be the reason for contacting a therapist or endocrinologist. In this case, it is carried out clinical analysis for vasopressin, which may show a decrease or increase in its level.

In addition, it is important to assess the condition of the kidneys, for which a urine test is performed. A biochemical blood test is needed to determine the concentration of potassium, sodium and chlorine in the body. If the results of the tests turn out to be alarming, the patient is sent for CT and MRI to clarify the diagnosis.

Reasons for deviations

If, when deciphering these studies, hyperfunction of vasopressin was revealed, then often such a violation of its secretion indicates the development pathological processes in the body. One of rare diseases, but common causes a similar anomaly is Parkhon's syndrome. This deviation is also called the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone.

This pathology can be the result of:

heavy bleeding accompanied by large blood loss;
uncontrolled or prolonged use of diuretics;
hypotension, etc.

Much more dangerous are cases when an excess of vasopressin is caused by malfunctions in the pituitary gland due to the formation cancerous tumors. In addition, a jump in indicators is often observed in patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis, asthma, and pneumonia. Diseases of the central nervous system can also lead to a similar deviation.

With an increase in the secretion of vasopressin, diuresis is significantly reduced. Urine takes on a darkish, concentrated hue, and contains increased amount sodium. Consequently, its content in the blood decreases, which can lead to severe complications.

Causes of a decrease in hormone levels

A decrease in ADH secretion is observed in patients with diabetes insipidus. The disease can be triggered by malfunctions of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, as well as a decrease in the sensitivity of renal receptors to the effects of this hormone.

With a lack of vasopressin, there is a strong, difficult to quench thirst, migraine attacks, a sharp decline body weight, dryness of the epidermis, saliva viscosity and a decrease in its volume, frequent urges vomiting, fever. The patient shows hypotension, so doctors often resort to the use of vasopressors to normalize it.

It is important to pay attention to the amount of urine excreted per day. With ADH deficiency, the urge to urinate sharply increases, and a rather large amount of urine is released during each emptying of the bladder. This leads to dehydration and loss of many useful substances. And this condition is very dangerous, and fraught with serious complications!

How to increase vasopressin?

Ways to normalize the level of this hormone directly depend on the reasons for its decrease. Removal of the tumor, taking antibiotics for infectious etiology of the disease, the use of drugs for the treatment of pathologies of cardio-vascular system- all these measures may well stabilize the situation, and lead to a complete cure.

But sometimes it is possible to restore functions and establish the production of the fidelity hormone vasopressin only if hormone therapy is carried out for life. Specific drugs can only be prescribed by a doctor. When developing a treatment regimen, many factors are taken into account that the patient himself cannot take into account. This concerns, first of all, the presence of concomitant chronic diseases(other than those that can cause vasopressin deficiency).

Pharmacological agents based on vasopressin are an integral part of the treatment regimen for diabetes insipidus. They help to reduce the amount of urine excreted per day, normalizing the functioning of the kidneys.

So, having studied the mechanism of action of ADH, having determined its main functions and possible reasons deviations, we can conclude that this hormonal substance, along with others, plays important role for coordinated work human body. Any ailments cannot be ignored, because if they differ in a persistent course, this is one of the the brightest signs the fact that the human body has experienced serious failures. Stability hormonal background- one of the main indicators of health, and this must always be remembered!