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Arginine vasopressin, stress, and memory
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) influences behavior and cognition. Separate pituitary and brain AVP systems may mediate behavioral adaptation to stress, as shown by antagonist and osmotic stress studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Endocrinology
- Physiology
Background:
- Arginine vasopressin (AVP) exhibits non-renal effects, including modulating learned avoidance behavior in rats and enhancing cognitive function in humans.
- Previous research confirmed AVP's behavioral effects in rats via peripheral and central administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological underpinnings of AVP's behavioral and cognitive effects.
- To differentiate the roles of peripheral and central AVP systems in behavioral responses to stress.
Main Methods:
- Administration of AVP and a vasopressor AVP antagonist peripherally and centrally in rats.
- Assessment of active and passive avoidance behavior and unconditioned aversive effects.
- Induction of osmotic stress to mimic endogenous AVP release.
Main Results:
- Peripheral AVP antagonist reversed AVP-induced behavioral changes and aversive effects.
- Central AVP antagonist showed efficacy only at doses with peripheral vasopressor activity.
- Osmotic stress mimicked AVP's behavioral effects, which were reversed by the antagonist.
Conclusions:
- Evidence supports distinct yet parallel AVP systems in the pituitary and brain.
- These systems play a role in behavioral adaptation to specific types of stress.