Vasopressin is a hormone, one of the main functions of which is to delay and restore the normal level of fluid in the body. The active production of vasopressin contributes to the activation of the kidneys and, accordingly, the removal of 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, after which it is released into the bloodstream.
The hormone vasopressin is an active stimulator of homeostasis
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 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 usually called inadequate. In turn, the emergence of such an unhe althy trend may indicate the presence of serious diseases that require qualified diagnosis.
Vasopressin hormone - 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 the hormone in the body, the regulation of fluid reabsorption in the area of the renal canals becomes possible. This function helps to increase the concentration of urine and delay its release.
Lack of hormone production by the hypothalamus can lead to the development of endocrine diseases such as diabetes mellitus, one of the main symptoms of which is a significant increase in urine output. The result is severe dehydration.
The role of the hormone vasopressin for the body
Vasopressin is a hormone whose entry into the blood most noticeably 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 released.
The effect of vasopressin on the body:
- increasing the level of re-suctionliquids;
- active removal of sodium from the blood;
- increase in blood volume and pressure in vessels;
- activation of the 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, in combination, have a beneficial effect on the intellectual component of human activity and are involved in the formation of neural connections of the brain aimed at controlling aggressive reactions, forming feelings of attachment to loved ones. Perhaps that is why its second name: vasopressin - the hormone of fidelity.
What does a lack of vasopressin synthesis lead to?
Reducing the flow of vasopressin into the blood is the main cause of inhibition of fluid uptake in the channels of the renal system and, as a result, the development of diabetes mellitus. People with insufficient production of the hormone can be tormented by constant thirst, a feeling of dry mouth, and drying of the mucous membranes.
In the absence of access to liquid, 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.
Determine the level of vasopressin in the blood using blood and urine tests. However, such diagnostic methods often turn out to be uninformative, which requires additional analyzes.
Vasopressin is a hormone that can be lowered due to genetic predisposition. Often, difficulties in the production of the hormone arise as a result of the presence of tumors in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. In this case, the problem can be eliminated by surgery or radiation therapy.
Excess vasopressin in the blood
Excess hormone production is known as Parhon's syndrome, which is a rare pathology. The 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, bouts of nausea, headaches, general weakness, loss of appetite. Severe cases of excess vasopressin in the blood include conditions that cause loss of consciousness, coma, complete inhibition of the vital functions of the body, which ultimately leads to death.
Elimination of the pathological syndrome of inadequate vasopressin production
Currently, the root of therapy aimed at bringing hormone secretion back 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, the patient is prescribed drugs, the components of which help to block the effect of vasopressin on the body. These are primarily medical products containing lithium carbonate.
Medicated restoration of normal vasopressin levels
Forto 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 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.
Significant progress in this area, as well as the development of modern diagnostic equipment, along with innovative medications, contribute to the effective fight against hormone deficiency and excess syndromes 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 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.
