Chapter 5, Problem 6Q

Summary Introduction

To review:

To compare the structures of vasopressin and oxytocin and reason for their overlapping functions. The effect of replacing arginine at position 8 with lysine on the binding properties of vasopressin.

Introduction:

Vasopressin is the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) that controls resorption of water by the kidneys and helps in the regulation of osmotic content of blood at lower doses. ADH helps in the permeabilizing of the distal tubules to water. It also plays a significant role in maintaining blood pressure.

Oxytocin is secreted by hypothalamus and uterus. It is responsible for the contraction of smooth muscles in mammary glands and uterus and is generally secreted during the delivery of the fetus.