Perinatal fluid and electrolyte regulation: role of arginine vasopressin

Not many years ago, the fetus was perceived to exert little impact on amniotic fluid homeostasis. It is now clear that the fetus plays an integral role in modulating fluid flux between the maternal, fetal, and amniotic fluid compartments. Moreover, fetal AVP secretion and the associated renal and cardiovascular responses represent important aspects of the potential to adapt to changes in the intrauterine environment. Although the physiologic significance of the increased AVP secretion observed in response to labor and delivery remain speculative, AVP regulation also is an essential aspect of neonatal adaptation. Still, many questions remain regarding both the regulation of fetal and neonatal fluid dynamics and the ontogeny of AVP receptor systems.