vasopressin

views updated May 18 2018

vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH) A peptide hormone, secreted by the neurohypophysis in mammals, that increases blood pressure and regulates the rate of water loss by the kidneys.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

vasopressin

views updated Jun 08 2018

vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH) (vay-zoh-press-in) n. a hormone, released by the pituitary gland, that increases the reabsorption of water by the kidney and causes constriction of blood vessels. Synthetic vasopressin (Pitressin) is administered by injection to treat diabetes insipidus and to control bleeding from oesophageal varices.

A Dictionary of Nursing

vasopressin

views updated May 21 2018

vas·o·pres·sin / ˌvāzōˈpresən; ˌvasō-/ • n. Biochem. a pituitary hormone that acts to promote the retention of water by the kidneys and increase blood pressure.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

vasopressin

views updated May 29 2018

vasopressin See antidiuretic hormone.

A Dictionary of Biology

More From encyclopedia.com

About this article

vasopressin

All Sources -
Updated Aug 08 2016 About encyclopedia.com content Print Topic

You Might Also Like