Physiology of the vasopressin receptors

This review article summarizes the structure, signalling pathways, and tissue distribution of the vasopressin receptors, V-1 vascular, V-2 renal, V-3 pituitary, and oxytocin receptors, as well as the P-2 class of purinoceptors. The physiological effects of vasopressin on its receptors are described. The future direction with regard to the role of the V-1a receptor in circulatory shock states is discussed; further studies with V-1a receptor agonists are warranted to further develop treatment strategies to reduce mortality in life threatening diseases like septic shock.