Vasopressin (AVP, Arginine-8-Vasopressin), the antidiuretic hormone is cyclic nonapeptide invovled in the homeostasis of body fluid osmolality, blood volume, vascular tone, and blood pressure. Specific actions of AVP include inhibition of diuresis, contraction of smooth muscle, stimulation of liver glycogenesis, and modulation of ACTH release from pituitary. AVP belongs to the family of vasocative and mitogenic peptide invovled in normal and pathological cell growth and differentiation. AVP exerts its action through binding to specific membrane receptors coupled to distinct second messengers. There are 3 types of AVP receptors: V1a, V1b, and V2 subtypes. The V2 receptor stimulates adenyl cyclase and protein Kinase A, V1 activate phospholipase A2.C, and D, resulting into production of IP3 and DAG, the mobilization of intracellular calcium, the influx of extracellular calcium, the activation of protein Kinase C, and protein phosphorylation. The V1a receptors mediate vasoconstriction and hepatic gluconeogenesis platelet aggregation, coagulation factor release. V1a receptors are found in vascular smooth muscle, hepatocytes, blood platelets, lymphocytes and monocyte, type II pneumocytes, adrenal cortex, brain, reproductive organs, retinal epithelium, renal mesangial cells. The V1b modulates ACTH secretion from the anterior pituitary and the V2 mediates anti-diuretic effects. V1b receptors are located in anterior pituitary. V2 renal receptors are present in medullary portion of the kidney where they control free water and urea adsorption by stimulating adenyl cyclase. AVP receptors are members of the G-protein coupled receptors with putative 7 transmembrane domains. The sizes of various AVP receptors are V1a (rat, 424aa; human, 418aa); V1b (rat, 421aa; human, 424aa); V2 (rat, 371aa; human 371aa). The N-terminus and C-terminus are predicted to be extracellular and cytoplasmic, respectively.
Storage and Stability
May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage, store at -20°C. Stable for at least 12 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial.
Important Note
This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications without the expressed written authorization of United States Biological.