vasopressin

[ vas-oh-pres-in ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. a peptide hormone, synthesized in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland, that stimulates capillary muscles and reduces the flow of urine and increases its concentration.
2. Pharmacology. a synthetic preparation of this hormone, used as an antidiuretic in the treatment of diabetes insipidus.

vasopressin

/ ˌveɪzəʊˈprɛsɪn /

noun

1. a polypeptide hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It increases the reabsorption of water by the kidney tubules and increases blood pressure by constricting the arteries Also calledantidiuretic hormone Chemical namebeta-hypophamine Compare oxytocin

vasopressin

/ vā′zō-prĕs′ĭn /

1. See antidiuretic hormone

Word History and Origins

Origin of vasopressin¹

First recorded in 1928; originally trademark

Word History and Origins

Origin of vasopressin¹

from Vasopressin, a trademark

Example Sentences

People with vasopressin deficiency cannot concentrate their urine, causing them to lose large quantities of fluid and to feel very thirsty.

From Science Daily

A related hormone, vasopressin, soon emerged as another crucial regulator of prairie vole bonding.

From Scientific American

In mammals, vasopressin and oxytocin play important roles in social behaviors, and reptiles have structurally similar hormones called vasotocin and mesotocin.

From New York Times

The brain communicates all this with a hormone called vasopressin.

From New York Times

At the same time, the brain secretes another hormone, vasopressin, which is linked to feelings of thirst.

From Seattle Times