A peptide hormone that regulates water retention and vasoconstriction, playing a critical role in blood pressure regulation and heart function.

Common Name:
Vasopressin

Compound Name:
Arginine Vasopressin (AVP)

Chemical Formula:
C46H65N15O12S2

Molecular Weight:
1084.23 g/mol

Sequence and Amino Acid Composition:

• Sequence: Cys-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Arg-Gly-NH2 (with a disulfide bridge between the two cysteine residues)
• Amino Acid Profile:
  • Cysteine (C):
    • Frequency: 2
    • Properties: Contains a thiol group which forms disulfide bridges, critical for structural stability.
    • Role in the Peptide: Essential for forming the cyclic part of the peptide that is crucial for its biological activity.
  • Arginine (R):
    • Frequency: 1
    • Properties: Positively charged, enhances binding to receptors.
    • Role in the Peptide: Critical for receptor interaction that triggers physiological responses.
  • Other Amino Acids: Each contributes specific chemical properties that affect the peptide’s structure, stability, and interaction with its receptor.

Structure:
Vasopressin is a nonapeptide with a cyclic structure formed by a disulfide bridge. It is closely related structurally and functionally to oxytocin, differing only by two amino acids.

Synthesis Method:
Synthesized via solid-phase peptide synthesis, which allows for precise control over the sequence and high purity, essential for its biological and therapeutic applications.

Solubility:
Soluble in water and aqueous buffers, suitable for injection and other pharmaceutical formulations.

Stability:
Sensitive to degradation in solution; should be stored in lyophilized form at low temperatures and reconstituted just before use.

Function:
Vasopressin acts primarily as an antidiuretic hormone, regulating water retention in the kidneys and maintaining blood pressure. It also has vasoconstrictive properties and plays a role in social behavior, sexual motivation, and pair bonding.

Benefits and Uses:

• Used clinically to treat diabetes insipidus (a condition characterized by excessive thirst and large volumes of urine).
• Used in the management of vasodilatory shock, where it helps to increase vascular tone and improve blood pressure.
• Investigated for its potential roles in memory and social behavior therapies.

Side Effects:
Can include water retention, headache, abdominal cramps, and more severe effects like hyponatremia if improperly dosed. Its use must be carefully monitored, especially in patients with cardiovascular diseases due to its potent vasoconstrictive properties.

Regulatory Status:
Approved by the FDA and other global regulatory agencies for specific uses, including the treatment of diabetes insipidus and vasodilatory shock.

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