Vasopressin and Related Peptides

What is it about?

In this review, we present the regulation of release of vasopressin (AVP) and activation of V1a, V1b, and V2 vasopressin receptors under physiological and pathological conditions. We make a survey of the role of AVP in: the regulation of the cardiovascular system; body fluid osmolality; natraemia; endocrine regulation; food intake; metabolism; circadian rhythmicity, immunological processes; and in the formation of learning, memory, cognition, and emotional and social behaviours. We also discuss the significance of the inappropriate functioning of the vasopressin system for: the development of cardiovascular diseases; disturbances of the water-electrolyte balance; energy metabolism; inflammatory processes; pain; neurogenic stress; memory disorders; depression; anxiety; autism; and schizophrenia. The structure and biological properties of peptide and non-peptide agonists and antagonists of V1a, V1b and V2 vasopressin receptors are presented and the potential use of copeptin and the current and likely indications for AVP agonists and antagonists in the diagnosis and therapeutics of multiple pathological conditions is discussed.

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Why is it important?

Vasopressin (AVP) plays multiple physiological roles, which extend far beyond its renal functions and conserving water. This review helps to understand that the inappropriate release of AVP may result in several pathological processes and that increased concentrations of AVP or copeptin, which is a valuable surrogate of AVP level in the blood, are not specific to a single pathological condition but rather a broad spectrum of entities should be taken into account during diagnosis. The review indicates a new therapeutic potential for peptide and non-peptide antagonists and agonists of vasopressin receptors in the diagnosis and treatment of water-electrolyte disturbances, cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric disorders, inflammation and oncology.

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