A pharmaceutical preparation containing a mixture of arg-vasopressin and lys-vasopressin. It is prepared by synthesis or obtained from neurohypophyseal extract of domestic animals. Its vasopressor activity is not less than 300 USP vasopressin units per mg.

Antidiuretic hormones released by the NEUROHYPOPHYSIS of all vertebrates (structure varies with species) to regulate water balance and OSMOLARITY. In general, vasopressin is a nonapeptide consisting of a six-amino-acid ring with a cysteine 1 to cysteine 6 disulfide bridge or an octapeptide containing a CYSTINE. All mammals have arginine vasopressin except the pig with a lysine at position 8. Vasopressin, a vasoconstrictor, acts on the KIDNEY COLLECTING DUCTS to increase water reabsorption, increase blood volume and blood pressure.

Synonyms: 0, beta-Hypophamine, beta Hypophamine, Vasopressin (USP), Hormone, Antidiuretic, Antidiuretic Hormones, Antidiuretic Hormone, Pitressin, 11000-17-2, Vasopressin, Vasopressins