vasopressin

American  

[vas-oh-pres-in] / ˌvæs oʊˈprɛs ɪn /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a peptide hormone, synthesized in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland, that stimulates capillary muscles and reduces the flow of urine and increases its concentration.

2. Pharmacology. a synthetic preparation of this hormone, used as an antidiuretic in the treatment of diabetes insipidus.

---

vasopressin British  

/ ˌveɪzəʊˈprɛsɪn /

noun

1. Chemical name: beta-hypophamine.  Also called: antidiuretic hormone.  a polypeptide hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It increases the reabsorption of water by the kidney tubules and increases blood pressure by constricting the arteries Compare oxytocin

---

vasopressin Scientific  

/ vā′zō-prĕs′ĭn /

1. See antidiuretic hormone

---

Etymology

Origin of vasopressin

First recorded in 1928; originally trademark

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

vasopressin

Several hormones can spike in men when they become dads, including oxytocin, linked to better relationship quality; vasopressin, associated with emotional bonding; and prolactin, which promotes lactation in women and caregiving behavior in guys.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 10, 2026

Dr. Refardt sums up: "In view of these results, we recommend the salt infusion test as the gold standard for reliable differentiation between polydipsia and vasopressin deficiency."

From Science Daily ● Nov. 16, 2023

They have found that a test that stimulates vasopressin release via a highly concentrated salt infusion is very reliable.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 16, 2023

Hormones are small chemical compounds; in the case of vasopressin and oxytocin, they are small proteins known as peptides.

From Scientific American ● Feb. 13, 2023

Oxytocin and vasopressin control the third stage: attachment or long-term bonding.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon