[Vasopressin: cellular and molecular aspects of its antidiuretic effect]

The paper reviews current data on molecular mechanisms of action of the neuropituitary hormone vasopressin (VP) on the aqueous epithelial permeability of the amphibian renal tubules and urinary bladder. It considers the structure and function of VP receptors, cAMP-dependent cellular events induced by VP, the action of different modulators on the effects of VP, the structure and localization of proteins that water-forming channels within the cellular membranes along the renal tubules. The development of VP sensitivity in ontogenesis is shown to be associated with age-related changes in the membrane receptor complex and with the higher activity of the adenylate cyclase mechanism.