Vasopressin receptors are a group of G-protein-coupled receptors that mediate vasoconstriction, antidiuresis and ACTH release. They are currently divided into three subtypes, V1A, V1B and V2 and are closely related to oxytocin receptors (OT).
V1A is coupled to Gq/11 proteins and is found at high density on smooth muscle cells. It is involved in regulation of blood pressure through arterial vasoconstriction and has been found to stimulate VEGF secretion. V1B is located in the hypothalamus, where it controls ACTH secretion, and in the pancreas, where it is involved in insulin release. V2 is coupled to Gs proteins and is found exclusively on the basolateral membrane of collecting duct cells in the kidney, where it regulates water excretion.
