What does vasopressin mean?
Vasopressin is a peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland. Its best-known role is in water balance: it acts on the kidneys to increase water reabsorption, thereby producing a smaller volume of more concentrated urine. It also causes constriction of blood vessels and can raise blood pressure, which accounts for its name and its use as a vasopressor in some acute medical settings. Vasopressin is the antidiuretic hormone, or ADH, and is often called arginine vasopressin to distinguish the endogenous peptide. In research and clinical writing, measurements of vasopressin levels and the activity of vasopressin receptors can help describe changes in hydration, circulation, and physiological stress. The word belongs mainly to biology, neuroscience, endocrinology, and medicine rather than everyday speech. Despite its technical register, it is a useful term because it links two major systems: the regulation of body fluid and the regulation of vascular pressure.
nounVasopressin is a peptide hormone made in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary that increases water reabsorption by the kidneys, producing a smaller volume of more concentrated urine. It also constricts blood vessels and can raise blood pressure.
- A peptide hormone that regulates water retention and vascular constriction.
"The researchers measured vasopressin levels before and after the athletes began competing."
"The study found that vasopressin levels rose in response to dehydration."
"During the emergency, the hospital prepared a vasopressin infusion to support the patient's blood pressure."
The plural is uncommon and is used chiefly when referring to distinct preparations or forms of the hormone.
"The researchers compared the properties of two synthetic vasopressins."
Vasopressin helps your kidneys decide how much water to send back into your blood—so a small amount of it can make a large difference to your urine.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vasopressin come from?
The name was formed in the early twentieth century from New Latin vas-, referring to vessels, and a pressure-related element derived from Latin pressus, “pressed.” It was applied because the hormone constricts blood vessels and raises arterial pressure. The earlier identification of its antidiuretic function led to the alternative name antidiuretic hormone.
How vasopressin is actually used
This is a technical term used chiefly in biology, neuroscience, endocrinology, and medicine. It is uncommon in everyday speech, although its hormonal and pharmaceutical meanings are both well established.
Easily confused with vasopressin
A vasopressor is any substance or mechanism that raises blood pressure, whereas vasopressin is the specific hormone that produces this effect.