Antidiuretic hormone. Normal and disordered function

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Physiology

Background:

• The antidiuretic hormone (ADH), or arginine vasopressin (AVP), is a crucial nonapeptide in mammals.
• Its production originates in hypothalamic neurons, specifically the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the origin and pathway of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) production and release in humans and mammals.

Main Methods:

• The study describes the anatomical origin and projection pathways of neurosecretory cells producing ADH/AVP.
• It details the transport mechanism via the pituitary stalk to the posterior pituitary.
• The vascular drainage of the posterior pituitary into the systemic circulation is outlined.

Main Results:

• ADH/AVP is synthesized by large neurons in the hypothalamus's supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei.
• These neurons project axons through the pituitary stalk to the posterior pituitary.
• The hormone is released from capillary plexuses in the posterior pituitary into the systemic circulation.

Conclusions:

• The hypothalamus-pituitary axis is central to ADH/AVP regulation and release.
• Understanding this pathway is fundamental to comprehending water balance and cardiovascular homeostasis.