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Drinking-induced plasma vasopressin and norepinephrine changes in dehydrated humans
G Geelen1, J E Greenleaf, L C Keil
1Laboratory for Human Environmental Physiology, National Air and Space Administration Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California 94035-1000, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Drinking fluid, regardless of type, quickly reduces vasopressin levels in men. This drinking-induced neural response inhibits vasopressin secretion, aiding in rehydration.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Water deprivation triggers hormonal responses to maintain fluid balance.
- The role of the act of drinking versus fluid composition in regulating hormones is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of different fluid formulations on hormonal responses and plasma volume after dehydration.
- To determine if the act of drinking itself, independent of fluid properties, influences hormone secretion.
Main Methods:
- Five healthy men underwent 24-hour water deprivation.
- Participants consumed various fluid types (water, saline, glucose, commercial drinks) weekly.
- Blood samples were collected pre- and post-ingestion to measure hormones (AVP, norepinephrine) and plasma volume.
Main Results:
- Fluid ingestion, irrespective of type, promptly decreased plasma vasopressin (AVP) levels.
- Plasma volume increased with isotonic saline and commercial drinks.
- Plasma norepinephrine increased immediately post-ingestion, suggesting a neural mechanism.
Conclusions:
- The physical act of drinking initiates a rapid inhibition of vasopressin secretion in humans.
- This drinking-induced response is primarily neural and occurs independently of the fluid's osmotic properties or composition.
- Further research may elucidate the neural pathways involved in this physiological response to drinking.