Adv Exp Med Biol
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Adv Exp Med Biol
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Vasopressin regulates adrenal functions by acting through different vasopressin receptor subtypes.
In mammals, vasopressin is known to be synthesized in the hypothalamus and released in the blood stream at the pituitary level. This neuropeptide is also synthesized and secreted by the adrenal medulla in many species including human. Moreover, agents like acetylcholine and corticotropin releasing factor stimulates its basal secretion. ⋯ The adrenal medulla secretes AVP and exhibits functional vasopressin receptors. The adrenal cortex also possesses functional vasopressin receptors and is in contact with adrenal medulla via "medullary rays". We may thus reasonably conclude that AVP physiologically regulates adrenal gland functions via autocrine/paracrine mechanisms.