Vasopressin
Vasopressin — A cyclic nonapeptide hormone (also called antidiuretic hormone/ADH) produced by the hypothalamus, regulating water retention and blood pressure.
What Is Vasopressin?
Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH) is a cyclic nonapeptide (Cys-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Arg-Gly-NH2) with a molecular weight of 1084.23 Da. It differs from oxytocin by only two amino acids (Phe3 and Arg8 vs. Ile3 and Leu8), yet produces dramatically different biological effects, demonstrating how small sequence changes alter peptide function.
Mechanism of Action
Vasopressin acts through three receptor subtypes: V1a (vascular smooth muscle contraction), V1b (ACTH release from pituitary), and V2 (water reabsorption in kidney collecting ducts via aquaporin-2 insertion). The V2 receptor activates the Gs/cAMP pathway, while V1 receptors use the Gq/calcium pathway.
Research Applications
- Renal physiology: The primary model compound for studying water homeostasis and aquaporin regulation
- Cardiovascular: Research on vasopressin-mediated vasoconstriction and blood pressure regulation
- Memory: Studies in rodent models show vasopressin enhances memory consolidation through hippocampal V1a receptors
- Social behavior: V1a receptor polymorphisms linked to variation in social bonding and pair-bond formation
Storage
Store lyophilized at -20°C. Reconstitute with sterile water. The disulfide bond between Cys1 and Cys6 must remain intact for biological activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vasopressin?
A cyclic nonapeptide hormone (also called antidiuretic hormone/ADH) produced by the hypothalamus, regulating water retention and blood pressure.
Why is Vasopressin important in peptide research?
Vasopressin is a fundamental concept in compound as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.