Overview
Choose your reading level:
In plain language
Vasopressin is a natural hormone of 9 amino acids, also called antidiuretic hormone. It helps the kidneys hold on to water and narrows blood vessels.
As a medicine (Vasostrict and generics), it is given by IV in hospitals to raise blood pressure in people with severe shock when other drugs are not enough. A related drug, desmopressin, is used for kidney-related water problems.
For students
Arginine vasopressin (CYFQNCPRG-NH2, about 1,084 Da) is made in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary when blood becomes concentrated or blood volume falls. Like oxytocin, it has a Cys1–Cys6 disulfide ring; the two differ at positions 3 and 8.
It acts on V1a receptors (blood vessel constriction), V2 receptors (kidney water reabsorption through aquaporin-2) and V1b receptors (pituitary ACTH release).
For researchers and instructors
Clinical use. Vasodilatory shock, usually added to norepinephrine. The VASST trial found no overall mortality difference versus norepinephrine alone.
Biomarker. Copeptin, released with vasopressin from the same precursor, is a stable marker of vasopressin release.
Pathophysiology. Too much vasopressin (SIADH) causes low sodium; too little causes AVP deficiency (central diabetes insipidus). V2 antagonists such as tolvaptan treat hyponatremia and slow polycystic kidney disease.
Status. FDA-approved for specific hospital uses.
Molecular identity
- Amino acids
- 9
- Molecular weight
- ~1,084.2 Da
- Formula
- C₄₆H₆₅N₁₅O₁₂S₂
- Sequence
- CYFQNCPRG-NH₂ (Cys1–Cys6 disulfide)
Sequence map
Hydropathy
Kyte–Doolittle score per residue. Positive values are water-repelling.
Origin and history
In 1895 George Oliver and Edward Schäfer in London found that pituitary extracts sharply raise blood pressure. That effect, and the water-retaining (antidiuretic) effect found later, come from vasopressin.
Vincent du Vigneaud’s group sequenced and synthesized it in the 1950s, part of the work behind his 1955 Nobel Prize. Today vasopressin is used in intensive care for septic shock, and its modified form desmopressin treats bedwetting and diabetes insipidus.
Key people
- George Oliver & Edward SchäferFirst described its effect (1895)
- Vincent du VigneaudSynthesized it
Timeline
- 1895
Pressor effect of pituitary extract discovered
- 1950s
Sequenced and synthesized
- 2014
Vasostrict approved for low blood pressure in shock
See every peptide on one history timeline.
Human evidence
Approved to raise blood pressure in adults with vasodilatory shock.
Registration and enrollment are not proof of benefit; check study results directly.
Explore original publications and distinguish preclinical findings from controlled human evidence.
Safety and regulatory status
See every compound on the regulatory tracker.
FDA-approved for specific hospital uses.
This profile is educational and does not provide treatment, dosing or sourcing guidance.
Sources
- PubMed literature search: Vasopressin
- PubChem compound search: Vasopressin
- DailyMed (FDA label search): Vasopressin
- Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1955
- ClinicalTrials.gov search: Vasopressin
Hernandez Gener, E. (2026, November 7). Vasopressin: molecular data, research history and evidence. VALREXA Biosciences. https://valrexa.com/peptides/vasopressin.html
APA style · Last reviewed November 7, 2026 · Our editorial standardsLast reviewed November 7, 2026. Trial and regulatory status can change; confirm in the linked registries. This profile is educational and is not medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or dosing or sourcing guidance. Report an error · Corrections policy