Vasopressin in mechanisms of stress reactions and modulation of emotion

Abstract

The review presents modern conceptions about the role of the vasopressinergic system in regulating reactions to stress and modulation of emotions in animals and humans. The contribution of vasopressin to activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system in conditions of acute and chronic stress is reflected in the work. It is noted that the activation of vasopressin receptors of type 1 enhances the response to stress, which contributes to the development of psychopathology. It is emphasized that the role of vasopressin receptors of type 2 in the regulation of emotions has been studied little. At the same time, there is evidence that the activation of vasopressin receptors of type 2 in patients with depressive disorders after a stroke is accompanied by effects that are opposite in direction to the effects of activation of vasopressin receptors of type 1. The review examines promising areas of further studies of the involvement of vasopressin receptors of type 2 in modulating stress reactions and emotions. The use of receptor antagonist’s vasopressin of type 1 and receptor agonists of type 2 in the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders are discussed.