Markedly increased thirst and urination are not only quite distressing but also increases the risk of volume depletion and hypernatremia in severe situations.
AVP or vasopressin is produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland until needed. AVP regulates the level of water in the body by controlling the amount of urine produced by kidneys.
When the level of water in human body decreases, his pituitary gland releases AVP to conserve water and stop the production of urine. Daily, 170 L of urine is filtered at the glomerulus; most is reabsorbed from the renal tubules with excretion of only 1% as urine.
In diabetes insipidus, AVP fails to properly regulate the body's level of water, and allows too much urine to be produced and passed from body. An increase in polyuria occurs when more than 80% of the AVP-secreting neurons are damaged. Extensive destruction can be caused by a variety of pathological processes including genetic causes.
Untreated diabetes insipidus can cause hypovolemia, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
Diabetes insipidus and AVP
