Endocrine Drugs and Medications Q 16
Vasopressin is which of the following pituitary hormones?
A. Antidiuretic hormone
B. Desmopressin acetate
C. Oxytocin
D. ACTH
Correct Answer: A. Antidiuretic hormone
Vasopressin is an antidiuretic hormone. Vasopressin or antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a nonapeptide synthesized in the hypothalamus. Science has known it to play essential roles in the control of the body’s osmotic balance, blood pressure regulation, sodium homeostasis, and kidney functioning. ADH primarily affects the ability of the kidney to reabsorb water; when present, ADH induces expression of water transport proteins in the late distal tubule and collecting duct to increase water reabsorption.
Option B: Desmopressin (1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin) is a synthetic analog of vasopressin aka antidiuretic hormone created in 1977 used in the treatment in a wide variety of medical conditions to include nocturnal polyuria, hemophilia A, diabetes insipidus, on Willebrand disease, uremic bleeding, as well as many off label uses such as an adjunct with hypertonic saline to prevent rapid sodium correction, intracranial hemorrhage associated with varying antiplatelet agents, and trauma resuscitation with active hemorrhage.
Option C: Oxytocin is indicated and approved by the FDA for two specific time frames in the obstetric world: antepartum and postpartum. In the antepartum period, exogenous oxytocin is FDA-approved for strengthening uterine contractions with the aim of successful vaginal delivery of the fetus. In regards to the postpartum period, oxytocin is FDA-approved when it is time to deliver the placenta during the third stage of labor and also to control postpartum hemorrhage.
Option D: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a tropic hormone produced by the anterior pituitary. The hypothalamic-pituitary axis controls it. ACTH regulates cortisol and androgen production. Diseases associated with ACTH include Addison disease, Cushing syndrome, and Cushing disease.