[Vasopressin: uses in cardiovascular practice]

Vasopressin is secreted by the neurohypophysis influenced by many variables; among them the most important and known is the osmotic pressure (osmotic regulation) of body fluid. Other factors that modify this hormone's secretion are changes in blood volume and blood pressure, which contribute significantly to hemodynamic recovery. Vasopressin receptors are located in different sites, and their stimulation generate also generates different physiological responses. The receptors are of two types, V1 and V2. The usefulness of exogenous vasopressin has been proven in many clinical situations, refractory cardiac arrest, septic shock, vasodilator shock, postcardiotomy shock, and vasoplegic shock, with promising results. At present, enough scientific support exists for the use of this antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) in clinical practice.