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Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18e
| Part 16. Endocrinology and Metabolism > Section 1. Endocrinology > |
Chapter 340. Disorders of the Neurohypophysis
Sections: Disorders of the Neurohypophysis: Introduction, Vasopressin, Thirst, Oxytocin, Deficiencies of Vasopressin Secretion and Action, Excess Vasopressin Secretion and Action, Further Readings.
Topics Discussed: pituitary disease, posterior; pituitary gland disorders.
Excerpt:"The neurohypophysis, or posterior pituitary, is formed by axons that originate in large cell bodies in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. It produces two hormones: (1) arginine vasopressin (AVP), also known as antidiuretic hormone, and (2) oxytocin. AVP acts on the renal tubules to reduce water loss by concentrating the urine. Oxytocin stimulates postpartum milk letdown in response to suckling. AVP deficiency causes diabetes insipidus (DI), which is characterized by the production of large amounts of dilute urine. Excessive or inappropriate AVP production predisposes to hyponatremia if water intake is not reduced in parallel with urine output...."
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