Functions of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. Antidiuretic hormone: where is it produced, action, functions of vasopressin in humans

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is a protein substance that is formed in the hypothalamus. Its main role in the body is to maintain water balance. ADH binds to special receptors located in the kidneys. As a result of their interaction, fluid retention occurs.

Some pathological conditions accompanied by disruption of hormone production or changes in sensitivity to its effects. With its deficiency, diabetes insipidus develops, and with its excess, the syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion develops.

Characteristics and role of the hormone

The precursor to antidiuretic hormone (or vasopressin) is produced in the neurosecretory nuclei of the hypothalamus. By shoots nerve cells it is transferred to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. During transport, mature ADH and the protein neurophysin are formed from it. Secretory granules containing the hormone accumulate in the neurohypophysis. Vasopressin partially enters the anterior lobe of the organ, where it participates in the regulation of the synthesis of corticotropin, which is responsible for the functioning of the adrenal glands.

Hormone secretion is controlled through osmo- and baroreceptors. These structures respond to changes in fluid volume and pressure in the vascular bed. Factors that increase the production of vasopressin include stress, infections, bleeding, nausea, pain, human chorionic gonadotropin, severe lesions lungs. Its production is affected by taking certain medications. The concentration of ADH in the blood depends on the time of day - at night it is usually 2 times higher than during the day.

Medicines that affect the secretion and action of the hormone:

Regulation of secretion and effects of vasopressin

Vasopressin, together with other hormones - atrial natriuretic peptide, aldosterone, angiotensin II, controls water-electrolyte balance. However, the importance of ADH in the regulation of water retention and excretion is leading. It helps maintain fluid in the body by reducing urine output.

The hormone also performs other functions:

• regulation of vascular tone and increased blood pressure;
• stimulation of the secretion of corticosteroids in the adrenal glands;
• influence on blood coagulation processes;
• synthesis of prostaglandins and release of renin in the kidneys;
• improving learning ability.

Mechanism of action

At the periphery, the hormone binds to sensitive receptors. The effects of vasopressin depend on their type and location.

Types of ADH receptors:

The structural and functional unit of the kidney, in which plasma filtration and urine formation occurs, is the nephron. One of its components is the collecting duct. It carries out the processes of reabsorption (reabsorption) and secretion of substances that allow maintaining water-electrolyte metabolism.

Action of ADH in the renal tubules

The interaction of the hormone with type 2 receptors in the collecting ducts activates a specific enzyme - protein kinase A. As a result, the number of water channels - aquaporins-2 - increases in the cell membrane. Through them, water moves along an osmotic gradient from the lumen of the tubes into the cells and extracellular space. It is assumed that ADH enhances the tubular secretion of sodium ions. As a result, the volume of urine decreases and it becomes more concentrated.

In pathology, there is a disruption in the formation of the hormone in the hypothalamus or a decrease in the sensitivity of receptors to its action. Lack of vasopressin or its effects leads to the development of diabetes insipidus, which is manifested by thirst and increased urine volume. In some cases, it is possible to increase the production of ADH, which is also accompanied by water and electrolyte imbalance.

Diabetes insipidus

For diabetes insipidus A large amount of diluted urine is released. Its volume reaches 4–15 or more liters per day. The cause of the pathology is an absolute or relative deficiency of ADH, as a result of which the reabsorption of water in the renal tubules decreases. The condition may be temporary or permanent.

Patients note an increase in the amount of urine - polyuria, and increased thirst - polydipsia. With adequate fluid replacement, other symptoms do not bother you. If water losses exceed its intake into the body, signs of dehydration develop - dry skin and mucous membranes, weight loss, drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased excitability. Age specific feature in older people there is a decrease in the number of osmoreceptors, so in this group the risk of dehydration is greater.

Exist following forms diseases:

• Central- is caused by a decrease in the production of vasopressin by the hypothalamus due to injuries, tumors, infections, systemic and vascular diseases affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary zone. Less commonly, the cause of the condition is an autoimmune process - hypophysitis.
• Nephrogenic- develops due to a decrease in the sensitivity of renal receptors to the action of ADH. In this case, diabetes is hereditary or occurs due to benign hyperplasia prostate, sickle cell anemia, following a low-protein diet, taking lithium medications. The pathology can be provoked by increased excretion of calcium in the urine - hypercalciuria, and low content potassium in the blood - hypokalemia.
• Primary polydipsia- occurs with excessive fluid consumption and is psychogenic in nature.
• Diabetes insipidus in pregnancy- a temporary condition associated with increased destruction of vasopressin by an enzyme synthesized by the placenta.

To diagnose diseases, functional tests with fluid restriction and the administration of vasopressin analogues are used. During these tests, the change in body weight, the volume of urine excreted and its osmolarity are assessed, the electrolyte composition of the plasma is determined, and a blood test is taken to study the concentration of ADH. Research is carried out only under medical supervision. If you suspect central shape

MRI of the brain is shown. Treatment of the pathology depends on its course. In all cases, it is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of fluid. To increase the level of vasopressin in the body in case of central diabetes, hormone analogues are prescribed - Desmopressin, Minirin, Nativa, Vazomirin. The drugs selectively act on type 2 receptors in the collecting ducts and enhance water reabsorption. In the nephrogenic form, the root cause of the disease is eliminated; in some cases, prescription is effective.

large doses

Desmopressin, use of thiazide diuretics.

Characteristics and role of the hormone

The precursor to antidiuretic hormone (or vasopressin) is produced in the neurosecretory nuclei of the hypothalamus. It is transported along the processes of nerve cells to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. During transport, mature ADH and the protein neurophysin are formed from it. Secretory granules containing the hormone accumulate in the neurohypophysis. Vasopressin partially enters the anterior lobe of the organ, where it participates in the regulation of the synthesis of corticotropin, which is responsible for the functioning of the adrenal glands.

Hormone secretion is controlled through osmo- and baroreceptors. These structures respond to changes in fluid volume and pressure in the vascular bed. Factors such as stress, infections, bleeding, nausea, pain, human chorionic gonadotropin, and severe lung damage increase the production of vasopressin. Its production is affected by taking certain medications. The concentration of ADH in the blood depends on the time of day - at night it is usually 2 times higher than during the day.

Medicines that affect the secretion and action of the hormone:

Regulation of secretion and effects of vasopressin

Vasopressin, together with other hormones - atrial natriuretic peptide, aldosterone, angiotensin II, controls water and electrolyte balance. However, the importance of ADH in the regulation of water retention and excretion is leading. It helps maintain fluid in the body by reducing urine output.

The hormone also performs other functions:

• regulation of vascular tone and increased blood pressure;
• stimulation of the secretion of corticosteroids in the adrenal glands;
• influence on blood coagulation processes;
• synthesis of prostaglandins and release of renin in the kidneys;
• improving learning ability.

Mechanism of action

At the periphery, the hormone binds to sensitive receptors. The effects of vasopressin depend on their type and location.

Types of ADH receptors:

The structural and functional unit of the kidney, in which plasma filtration and urine formation occurs, is the nephron. One of its components is the collecting duct. It carries out the processes of reabsorption (reabsorption) and secretion of substances that allow maintaining water-electrolyte metabolism.

Action of ADH in the renal tubules

The interaction of the hormone with type 2 receptors in the collecting ducts activates a specific enzyme - protein kinase A. As a result, the number of water channels - aquaporins-2 - increases in the cell membrane. Through them, water moves along an osmotic gradient from the lumen of the tubes into the cells and extracellular space. It is assumed that ADH enhances the tubular secretion of sodium ions. As a result, the volume of urine decreases and it becomes more concentrated.

In pathology, there is a disruption in the formation of the hormone in the hypothalamus or a decrease in the sensitivity of receptors to its action. Lack of vasopressin or its effects leads to the development of diabetes insipidus, which is manifested by thirst and increased urine volume. In some cases, it is possible to increase the production of ADH, which is also accompanied by water and electrolyte imbalance.

Diabetes insipidus

For diabetes insipidus A large amount of diluted urine is released. Its volume reaches 4–15 or more liters per day. The cause of the pathology is an absolute or relative deficiency of ADH, as a result of which the reabsorption of water in the renal tubules decreases. The condition may be temporary or permanent.

Patients note an increase in the amount of urine - polyuria, and increased thirst - polydipsia. With adequate fluid replacement, other symptoms do not bother you. If water loss exceeds its intake into the body, signs of dehydration develop - dry skin and mucous membranes, weight loss, drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased excitability. An age-related feature of older people is a decrease in the number of osmoreceptors, so in this group the risk of dehydration is greater.

The following forms of the disease exist:

• Central- is caused by a decrease in the production of vasopressin by the hypothalamus due to injuries, tumors, infections, systemic and vascular diseases affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary zone. Less commonly, the cause of the condition is an autoimmune process - hypophysitis.
• Nephrogenic- develops due to a decrease in the sensitivity of renal receptors to the action of ADH. In this case, diabetes is hereditary or occurs against the background of benign prostatic hyperplasia, sickle cell anemia, following a low-protein diet, or taking lithium medications. The pathology can be provoked by increased excretion of calcium in the urine - hypercalciuria, and low potassium content in the blood - hypokalemia.
• Primary polydipsia- occurs with excessive fluid consumption and is psychogenic in nature.
• Diabetes insipidus in pregnancy- a temporary condition associated with increased destruction of vasopressin by an enzyme synthesized by the placenta.

To diagnose diseases, functional tests with fluid restriction and the administration of vasopressin analogues are used.

During these tests, the change in body weight, the volume of urine excreted and its osmolarity are assessed, the electrolyte composition of the plasma is determined, and a blood test is taken to study the concentration of ADH. Research is carried out only under medical supervision. If a central form is suspected, an MRI of the brain is indicated.

Treatment of the pathology depends on its course. In all cases, it is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of fluid.

To increase the level of vasopressin in the body in case of central diabetes, hormone analogues are prescribed - Desmopressin, Minirin, Nativa, Vazomirin. The drugs selectively act on type 2 receptors in the collecting ducts and enhance water reabsorption. In the nephrogenic form, the root cause of the disease is eliminated; in some cases, the administration of large doses of Desmopressin and the use of thiazide diuretics are effective.

The article will talk about antidiuretic hormone, which is generated by the neurons of the hypothalamus, then stored in the pituitary gland and from there enters the blood to perform its functions.

What is vasopressin and what is it for? The substance maintains the correct water balance in the body, which is important for any person, and for patients with non-glucose-dependent diabetes, it is vital, since with this disease the body can excrete more than 10 liters of water per day, which poses a threat to life.

Hormone activity in the body

• Antidiuretic hormone contains 9 amino acids in its structure. One of them is called arginine, which is why ADH is also called arginine vasopressin. As its concentration in the blood increases, the amount of urine and sweat excreted decreases, so the hormone is important when there is a risk of dehydration. The mechanism of action of vasopressin is that it draws fluid from the kidney tubules and stores it in the tissues of the body.
• In addition, the effect of the hormone is as follows:
• Promotes human growth; Delays the generation of thyrotropin by the pituitary gland; Promotes the production of active lipid substances- prostaglandins, similar in action to hormones and playing an important role in
• reproductive function
• women; Controls the production of adrenocorticotropin, which, produced in the pituitary gland, enters the adrenal glands and stimulates their generation of sex hormones, glucocorticoids and catecholamines; Affects functioning

From the nervous system, vasopressin is a hormone that regulates human aggressiveness. It influences the young father's attachment to the baby. In the sexual sphere, the hormone determines the choice of a love partner.

Increased vasopressin levels

Increased ADH production may indicate:

• Development of hyperfunction of the hypothalamus with high generation of antidiuretic hormone. This is an uncommon disease that is associated with taking diuretics, blood loss due to injury, and low blood pressure.
• Dysfunction of the pituitary gland - malignant tumor endocrine gland;
• Malignant formations.
• Pathologies of the central nervous system.
• Pulmonary pathologies:
  • Tuberculosis;
  • Pneumonia;
  • Asthma.

Action too high level vasopressin is accompanied unpleasant symptoms, such as headaches, confusion, nausea and vomiting, swelling, weight gain, decreased body temperature, convulsions, decreased appetite. These symptoms are associated with incomplete urine flow. It is released less frequently than in healthy person. It contains an increased amount of sodium. Urine is dark in color.

An increase in vasopressin volume is dangerous because, in advanced cases, it can cause cerebral edema, cessation of breathing and death, or arrhythmia of the heartbeat and coma. When found high content antidiuretic hormone, the patient is hospitalized. He needs medical supervision around the clock and treatment depending on the cause of the pathology.

If there is increased secretion of the hormone, the doctor prescribes constant monitoring of the composition of the patient’s blood and urine. Urine is released in high concentration, and blood is released in low density.

The specialist prescribes a low-salt diet, limited reception liquids. Medications are prescribed to neutralize the negative effects of ADH on the kidneys. For low blood pressure, blood pressure-raising medications are also prescribed.

At tumor diseases applies surgical treatment, chemotherapy, radiation therapy. If the increase in ADH occurs due to one of the lung diseases listed above, this disease is treated simultaneously with the use of methods to increase vasopressin.

Reduced amount of vasopressin in the body

A lack of vasopressin in the blood can be caused by:

• Diabetes insipidus;
• Decreased functioning of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland;
• Brain injury;
• Diseases of meningitis, encephalitis;
• Hemorrhage;
• Decreased sensitivity of receptors in the kidneys to the hormone vasopressin.

Signs of decreased vasopressin production include dry larynx, dry skin, headaches, constant thirst, unexplained weight loss, decreased volume of saliva in the mouth, urge to vomit, increased body temperature. The main sign of low ADH is frequent urination with a total urine volume of several liters in 24 hours. The composition of urine changes - it contains, in main degree, water. Soleil and essential minerals very little.

For diabetes insipidus, the causes that caused it are treated. These include:

• The tumor disease is malignant or benign;
• Vascular pathologies;
• Infectious diseases;
• Autoimmune pathologies;
• Venereal diseases;
• Consequences of brain surgery.

Diabetes insipidus is determined using blood and urine tests given by patients. They also do a Zimnitsky test. Blood and urine are monitored throughout the illness. Vasopressin testing is rarely prescribed because it does not provide the necessary information.

Healing for diabetes insipidus is quite possible, since sometimes it is enough to remove the tumor, but to maintain health the patient is prescribed lifelong treatment hormonal drugs.

If a decrease in the secretion of antidiuretic hormone is caused by diabetes, treatment is prescribed by an endocrinologist. To increase vasopressin levels, your doctor may prescribe a synthetic hormone called a vasopressor.

Synthetic vasopressin

Vasopressors are used to reduce urine output and reabsorption of fluid by the kidneys. The drugs are used to treat diabetes insipidus.

The medication Desmopressin helps reduce urine output in dark time days. If a patient is found to have venous bleeding in the tissues of the esophagus, he is prescribed medication injections. Vasopressin solution is most often injected intravenously, but it can also be injected intramuscularly. If there is bleeding, to be sure, it makes sense to administer the medicine by dropper, since the hormone must be consumed every minute.

The main analogues of vasopressin (vasopressors) are medicines Lysinvasopressin and Minirin. Nasal sprays of the drug can be purchased at pharmacies with a prescription. They are prescribed for diabetes insipidus, bleeding disorders (hemophilia), and spontaneous urine loss (enuresis).

With decreased secretion, causing an increase Blood pressure, Terlipressin is prescribed. The drug further reduces blood flow due to its vasoconstrictor effect.

Diagnosis of hormone abnormalities

A blood test for antidiuretic hormone is not performed, since it does not give complete information about the disease. If there are symptoms of hormone level deviation from the norm, the doctor will, first of all, prescribe a routine urine test and conduct clinical analysis blood. In addition, the concentration of osmotically active particles in the blood and urine is checked. The blood levels of potassium, sodium and chlorine are checked. An analysis is made for the content of thyroid hormones in heme, including aldosterone, which is actively involved in maintaining water-salt balance.

The list of substances for analysis includes creatinine, cholesterol, serum calcium, total protein. If the doctor does not like the research results, he will prescribe the patient for an MRI or CT scan. If it is impossible to do modern research X-rays of the skull are prescribed. In addition, it is necessary to perform an ultrasound of the kidneys and an ECG.

Antidiuretic hormone or vasopressin is a microelement that regulates the removal of water from the body. If it occurs in the body hormonal disbalance and the antidiuretic hormone, for some reason, does not perform its functions, then a person can lose up to 20 liters of water with urine. At the same time, he considers 1-2 liters to be the norm. Thus, antidiuretic hormone protects a person from death caused by dehydration. Unfortunately, there are no analogues of antidiuretic hormone in the body. This element of biochemical metabolism is the only one.

Antidiuretic hormone is synthesized by the hypothalamus, which is part endocrine system. Along with the pituitary gland, adrenal gland and thyroid gland. Vasopressin is a hormone that does not immediately enter the blood, but accumulates first in the pituitary gland. It enters the bloodstream only after reaching a critical level.

Antidiuretic hormone or vasopressin not only removes water through the kidneys, it also generally regulates the amount of blood by diluting the plasma. The action of antidiuretic hormone is quite simple - it increases the permeability of the walls of the collecting ducts in the kidney parenchyma. During filtration, the liquid returns to the bloodstream, and waste and heavy elements go into the urine.

If there is no antidiuretic hormone in the body, then primary urine simply exits through the kidneys, along with proteins and useful minerals. The kidneys are capable of passing up to 150 liters of primary urine per day. A lack of vasopressin can lead to a very quick and painful death in a person.

There are some functions not related to the removal of fluid, but no less important for humans:

1. ADH has a positive effect on smooth muscle tone. This affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Under the influence of ADH, the heart and large vessels work better.
3. Vasopressin and oxytocin regulate blood pressure, especially at the periphery of the circulatory system.
4. By causing spasms of small vessels in damaged areas, vasopressors quickly stop bleeding. Therefore, these substances are produced by the body as a result of stress, physical injury or pain.
5. Vasopressors, influencing the blood vessels that end at the arteries, are able to raise arterial pressure. This in itself is not dangerous, unless the person is a chronic hypertensive patient.
6. The formula of the hormone vasopressin allows it to influence the central nervous system. Thus, vasopressors evoke paternal instincts in men, suppress outbursts of aggression and help a man choose a life partner. For this last feature, I call this microelement the fidelity hormone.

Diagnosis of ADH level disorders

The broad mechanism of action of ADH forces one to quite accurately determine its level in the blood, and most importantly, find it in as soon as possible, the reasons for its increase or decrease. To do this, it is not enough to simply take a blood test to determine the content of antidiuretic hormone.

In addition, the patient must donate blood and urine for biochemical analysis, as a result of which the amount of potassium, sodium, chlorine and other microelements is determined. A test for aldosterone, a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands and regulating water-salt metabolism, is required. The quality of blood is determined by the amount of cholesterol, creatinine, protein, and calcium in it. If there is a suspicion of a malfunction of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, the patient is referred to computed tomography. During this process, doctors try to determine the presence of a tumor in the brain.

Abnormal vasopressin

Increased or reduced content vasopressin in the blood is equally dangerous to health. When an excess of a trace element is detected in the blood, a number of diseases are suspected:

1. Parhon's syndrome. This pathology provoked by severe blood loss, a diuretic, and a decrease in blood pressure. In general, for all reasons that can disrupt the balance of water and salt in the body.
2. An increase in hormone levels can occur under the influence of a tumor-affected pituitary gland. A neoplasm may not even arise in the pituitary gland itself, but next to it, but at the same time compress it, causing disturbances in the levels of microelements secreted by it.
3. Disturbances in hormone levels in the blood can cause systemic diseases– pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis.

The role of vasopressin in the body is difficult to overestimate. Its shortage is an overabundance, immediately manifests itself external signs– nausea, vomiting, convulsions, loss of consciousness. In severe cases, swelling of the brain occurs, body temperature drops, and the patient falls into a coma. The heartbeat slows down, breathing stops and death occurs.

If a person experiences a decrease in vasopressin levels, then most likely he has developed such pathologies;

1. Not diabetes.
2. Tumor in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
3. The kidneys have lost sensitivity to antidiuretic hormone.

As a result of ADH deficiency, a person begins to become very thirsty and headache, the skin becomes thin and dry, body temperature rises, and vomiting may occur. The patient rapidly loses body weight. But the main manifestation of the disease is increased secretion urine. After all, what is ATG? A microelement that regulates the outflow of urine, and if there is little of it in the blood, then urine is released in an uncontrolled flow.

Principles of treatment

The doctor decides how to increase or decrease the level of antidiuretic hormone. Based on a comprehensive study of the reasons that caused the deviation from the norm.

During therapy, the body has a supporting effect with the help of drugs that retain urine, or, if necessary, help to excrete it. "Demeclocycline", as a central ADH blocker, normalizes the functioning of the kidneys, which are under the influence of vasopressin. There are other diuretics for this purpose, but they are all prescribed by a doctor. He's counting correct dosage and a dosage regimen based on test results.

The main thing you need to understand is hormone therapy, this is only a temporary measure. To eliminate a violation of the microelement norm in the blood, it is sometimes necessary to undergo a long course of treatment or even surgery. After all, such a situation with a violation of the level of ADH can be caused by syphilis, vascular diseases, a benign or malignant tumor in the pituitary gland or in another part of the brain. Any treatment should only be prescribed by a specialist. In situations when it comes to hormonal drugs, any self-medication can result in a serious complication or even death of the person.

Vasopressin, or antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is considered a neurohormone. Vasopressin is produced in the hypothalamus, after which it enters the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland and accumulates there for some time. When it reaches a certain level, it enters the blood. While in the pituitary gland, vasopressin stimulates the production of ACTH, which in turn controls the functioning of the adrenal glands.

Fact: ADH also accumulates in cerebrospinal fluid, but in significantly smaller quantities.

The level of vasopressin in the human body is variable and depends on osmotic pressure, i.e. on the amount of liquid received. A large number of water stimulates its greater production, whereas with its deficiency the level of antidiuretic hormone is much lower.

Functions

Vasopressin is important hormone for the body, but not multifunctional. Hormones of the anterior pituitary gland - somatotropin, prolactin, ACTH, etc. - are considered to act more extensively than the posterior lobe hormones - vasopressin and oxytocin.

The main functions of the hormone vasopressin:

• regulates the removal of fluid through the kidneys;
• reduces the volume of urine excreted and increases its concentration;
• participates in the processes occurring in blood vessels and the brain;
• by increasing its own production, it stimulates the production of ACTH;
• maintains muscle tone of internal organs;
• increases blood pressure;
• increases blood clotting;
• improves memory;
• responsible for some psychological processes- search for a sexual partner, development of the parental instinct (in combination with oxytocin).

Fact: due to similarities chemical formula Vasopressin is able to perform the work of oxytocin to some extent, but oxytocin can only perform its own functions.

Conducting analysis and standards

The level of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin in the blood depends on plasma osmolality - the ratio of the amount of fluid to the substances it contains.

Before testing for ADH, it is necessary to abstain from strong activities for several days. physical activity, stop taking medical supplies, capable of influencing its level. It is important to follow a diet - stop drinking alcohol, coffee and smoking for 1-2 days before the test. You need to donate blood for vasopressin in the morning, on an empty stomach, the last meal before this should be no later than 10 hours.

Vasopressin norm.

Excess ADH

Some conditions can cause excessive action of antidiuretic hormone:

• large blood loss;
• prolonged stay in an upright position;
• heat;
• pain;
• insufficient amount of potassium in the blood;
• stress.

Important: a short-term increase in ADH caused by these reasons will not cause harm to the body. Its quantity normalizes on its own.

High levels can also be caused by certain diseases:

• diabetes insipidus - in the absence of sensitivity to vasopressin, excessive amounts of sodium accumulate and there is no fluid retention;
• Parhon's syndrome - excessive amount of water in the body and lack of sodium, expressed by general weakness, edema, nausea;
• diseases of the nervous system - encephalitis, meningitis, tumors and other brain formations, etc.;
• diseases of the pituitary gland and/or hypothalamus;
• presence of cancer;
• respiratory system diseases;
• presence of infections;
• blood diseases.

ADH deficiency

There are fewer reasons for reducing ADH levels. Deficiency may occur with central diabetes insipidus, a significant increase in total blood volume (after IVs or operations), with prolonged horizontal position, hypothermia, head injuries or diseases of the pituitary gland.

Diseases caused by changes in vasopressin secretion

Diabetes insipidus

Diabetes insipidus is a disorder of water metabolism in the body.

Fact: Diabetes insipidus is the most common disease in which vasopressin secretion is impaired.

• acceleration of ADH decay;
• the presence of tumors in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus and/or disruption of their functioning;
• decreased sensitivity to ADH;
• genetic predisposition;
• brain injuries;
• unsuccessful surgery;
• presence of oncology;
• autoimmune processes in the body;
• presence of infectious diseases.

The main symptoms are an increase Bladder, frequent and excessive urination, excessive thinness, nausea with vomiting, low blood pressure, visual disturbances, frequent headaches.

For diagnosis, a medical history is taken, after which tests are prescribed for urine density, blood plasma osmolarity, and the amount of glucose, potassium, sodium and calcium in the blood is determined. Since antidiuretic hormone is produced in the hypothalamus, an MRI of the latter and the pituitary gland may be prescribed.

Important: there are several types of diabetes insipidus, to determine the status of which a certain series of tests are prescribed.

Treatment includes the use of artificial analogues of ADH (Minirin, Adiuretin, Desmopressin) to restore water balance. If the patient's condition changes, the dosage changes.

The dosage of drugs may vary depending on the course of the disease and individual characteristics patient.

It is necessary to control the amount of fluid consumed per day and try to drink drinks that effectively quench thirst even in small quantities. You need to give up alcohol, salty and protein foods. It is necessary to include as many vegetables, fruits and dairy products in your diet.

Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion

• diseases of the hypothalamus;
• diseases of the central nervous system;
• dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
• insufficient functioning of the adrenal glands;
• prolonged stress, psychosis;
• bad habits (alcoholism, drug addiction);
• diseases of the lungs and respiratory system;
• presence of oncology.

This syndrome is characterized high content fluid in the body and a lack of sodium caused by insufficient activity of ADH or lack of sensitivity to it. In addition, urination becomes abundant (polyuria), obesity, swelling, weakness, headaches, nausea and vomiting appear.

Important: in severe cases of the disease, too much fluid intake leads to “water intoxication,” leading to loss of consciousness, convulsions and coma.

Diagnostics includes studies of sodium levels in the blood and urine, osmolarity of blood and urine, and vasopressin levels. An MRI and CT scan of the brain, radiography of the skull, and ultrasound of the kidneys are performed.

Treatment of the syndrome takes place in combination with treatment of the underlying disease. The main rule during treatment is to consume as little liquid as possible. Additionally, drugs are prescribed to reduce ADH secretion.

Conclusion

Vasopressin does not have many functions, but disruption of its secretion can lead to the development serious illnesses. To prevent them, you need to regularly visit your doctor and carry out 1-2 times a year full examination body.