Vasopressin, protein metabolism, and water conservation

Abstract

Purpose of review Highlight the mechanisms through which vasopressin and hypertonic stress regulate protein metabolism Recent findings Mammals have an ‘aestivation-like’ response in which hypertonic stress increases muscle catabolism and urea production Vasopressin can directly regulate ureagenesis in the liver and the kidney In humans chronic hypertonic stress is associated with premature aging, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality Summary There is an evolutionarily conserved ‘aestivation-like’ response in humans in which hypertonic stress results in activation of the vasopressin system, muscle catabolism, and ureagenesis in order to promote water conservation.