vasopressin
[ vas-oh-pres-in ]
/ ˌvæs oʊˈprɛs ɪn /
noun
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.
Pharmacology.
a synthetic preparation of this hormone, used as an antidiuretic in the treatment of diabetes insipidus.
Also called
antidiuretic hormone,
ADH.
Origin of vasopressin
First recorded in 1928; orig. trademark
Words nearby vasopressin
British Dictionary definitions for vasopressin
vasopressin
/ (ˌveɪzəʊˈprɛsɪn) /
noun
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
Also called: antidiuretic hormone Chemical name: beta-hypophamine Compare oxytocin
Word Origin for vasopressin
from
Vasopressin, a trademark
Medical definitions for vasopressin
vasopressin
[ vā′zō-prĕs′ĭn ]
n.
A hormone, related to oxytocin, that is secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, constricts blood vessels, raises blood pressure, stimulates intestinal motility, and reduces the excretion of urine.
antidiuretic hormone
Scientific definitions for vasopressin
vasopressin
[ vā′zō-prĕs′ĭn ]
See antidiuretic hormone.