vasopressin
Last reviewed 01/2018
This hormone is synthesised in the hypothalamus and transported along axons bound to neurophysin carrier proteins. It descends the pituitary stalk to the posterior pituitary gland. It is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland in response to:
- hypovolaemia
- high plasma osmolality
- decreased tension in the great veins
- emotional stress
- raised temperature at the hypothalamus
- pain
- various drugs e.g. carbamazepine, clofibrate, morphine
Normal plasma ADH is approximately 4 pg/ml.