Effects of terlipressin on the aquaretic system: evidence of antidiuretic effects

Abstract

The vasopressin analog terlipressin is believed to cause vasoconstriction selectively by V1receptor stimulation. However, a possible antidiuretic effect by V2receptor stimulation has never been ruled out. Twenty-two patients with ascites, including seven with refractory ascites, were included. The subjects were studied during a 400 ml/h oral water load before and after infusion of 2 mg of terlipressin (18 patients) or placebo infusion (4 patients). Effects on the V2receptors were assessed by evaluating aquaporin (AQP)2 excretion, free water clearance (C[Formula: see text]), urine osmolality (Uosm), and fractional distal water excretion (DFeH2O). After terlipressin the excretion of AQP2 increased by 89% [144 ng/mmol creatinine, 95% confidence interval (CI) 73–214 ng/mmol creatinine, P = 0.001]. C[Formula: see text] decreased 1.05 ml/min (from 0.17 to −0.89 ml/min, P = 0.001), and DFeH2O decreased 37% (19 vs. 12; 95% CI 2–11, P = 0.01). Uosmincreased by 27% (93 mosmol/kgH2O, 95% CI 23–164 mosmol/kgH2O, P = 0.02). Plasma sodium decreased 1.1 mmol/l ( P < 0.01). An increase in AQP2 excretion and a decrease in C[Formula: see text] and distal water excretion after terlipressin despite water loading is a clear indication of activation of the antidiuretic system (V2receptor effect).