Vasopressin receptor subtypes and renal sodium transport

In mammals, three subtypes of V-receptors have been identified in the kidney. The effects of vasopressin, a hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus, are triggered by three distinct receptor isoforms: V2, V1a, and V1b. Stimulation of V2-receptors regulates urine osmotic concentration by increasing sodium reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle and enhancing osmotic permeability of the epithelium cells in the collecting duct. Stimulation of V1a-receptors inhibits renal sodium reabsorption and induces natriuresis, comparable to the effect of the diuretic furosemide, in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. Stimulation of V1b-receptors induces potassium secretion in the final parts of the distal segments and initial parts of the collecting ducts. In this review, we discuss the role of vasopressin and its interaction with V-receptor subtypes in natriuresis and for stabilizing the physicochemical parameters of the internal environment and water-salt homeostasis in humans. A better understanding of these systems and their regulation is necessary to facilitate identification of additional system components and mechanisms, clarify their contribution during various normal and pathological functional states, and suggest novel strategies for the development of therapeutic interventions.