When administered intravenously, Arginine Vasopressin (AVP) can cause an intense peripheral vasoconstriction through stimulation of V1 receptors on the vascular smooth muscle. Patients in refractory shock associated with severe sepsis, cardiogenic or vasodilatory shock, or cardiopulmonary bypass have inappropriately low plasma levels of AVP and super sensitivity to exogenously-administered AVP. Arginine vasopressin (AVP), also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is a nonapeptide produced in the hypothalamus and secreted into the circulation from the posterior pituitary gland.
Low doses of AVP and its synthetic analogue terlipressin can restore vasomotor tone in conditions that are resistant to catecholamines, with preservation of renal blood flow and urine output. Physiological functions AVP plays an important role in the regulation of osmolality, cardiovascular stability, blood…
