What Does a Vasopressin Do

vasopressin, also called antidiuretic hormone, hormone that plays a key role in maintaining osmolality (the concentration of dissolved particles, such as salts and glucose, in the serum) and therefore in maintaining the volume of water in the extracellular fluid (the fluid space that surrounds cells).

What is the function of vasopressin?

Vasopressin (also called antidiuretic hormone) plays a role in regulating the circadian rhythm — the periods of sleepiness and wakefulness in a 24-hour cycle. Vasopressin also helps maintain the body’s internal temperature, its blood volume, and the proper flow of urine from the kidneys.

Is vasopressin an oxytocin?

Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) are ancient peptide molecules with many behavioral and physiological functions. These pleotropic peptides evolved from a single genetic source (1). … Vasopressin is considered the more ancient molecule, with a central role in defense.