Vasopressin
Vasopressin is also known as Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH).
The glossary entry for this is repeated below:
Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH), also known as antidiuretic hormone and as vasopressin, is a hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (an endocrine gland in the human body).
Anti-Diuretic Hormone increases reabsorption of water by the kidneys - which prevents the body from losing excessive amounts of water.
Insufficient anti-diuretic hormone can result in diabetes insipidus (a condition in which large amounts of urine are produced - note that diabetes insipidus is not to be confused with diabetes mellitus). Diabetes insipidus may be treated by administration of anti-diuretic hormone to the patient - either nasally or by injection.
Anti-Diuretic Hormone also causes constriction of blood vessels. Intravenous injections of this hormone are used to control bleeding from certain parts of the body by restricting blood flow.
See also: What is a Hormone ?
For further general information including the locations of the endocrine glands, see the Endocrine Glands of the Human Body.
- Introduction to the Endocrine System
- What is a hormone ?
- Water Soluble Hormones vs Fat Soluble Hormones
- Triggers for Hormone Release
- Hormone Regulation Feedback Mechanism
- Major Glands of the Endocrine System
- The Pituitary Gland
- The Adrenal Glands
- Non-endocrine tissues that release hormones
- Conditions of the Endocrine System
- Diabetes
