Vasopressin, also known as ADH or anti-diuretic hormone stimulates the AVP1A receptors (AVPR1A) which are present in the brain, kidneys, liver and vessels. It causes kidney water retention, peripheral vasoconstriction in higher doses, the release of several clotting factors and gluconeogenesis. Also, per this study it stimulates glycogen breakdown in the liver, similar to the effects of glucagon.

Gluconeogenesis is the second way the body maintains blood sugar levels. (The first is glycogenolysis, the body’s conversion of glycogen stores into glucose) In gluconeogenesis, the body generates glucose from non-carbohydrates such as lactate (lactic acid, milk acid), glycerol (glycerin) and glycogenic amino acids.

I’m not sure how water retention and glucose generation are related but I’m still thinking There are quite a few other seemingly unrelated actions that vasopressin causes on other receptor sites so I’m not sure the actions have to be related.

Many times throughout the Paramedic Program I have come across a drug that has an unexpected use listed in the profile. Not very often are we given a comprehensive explanation as to why this drug works for this other use and it is left to us to try and figure this out. One example that I have seen recently is the use of Glucagon for beta blocker overdose. Glucagon is a hormone used in diabetic emergencies; its use for beta blocker overdose is actually pretty simple once it is explained.