Arginine vasopressin receptor 2

Arginine vasopressin receptor 2 (officially abbreviated AVPR2) is a protein that acts as receptor for arginine vasopressin. AVPR2 belongs to the subfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors. Its activity is mediated by the G_s type of G proteins, which stimulate adenylate cyclase.

Contents

• Antagonists
• Interactions
• References

AVPR2 is expressed in the kidney tubule, predominantly in the membrane of cells of the distal convoluted tubule and collecting ducts, in fetal lung tissue and lung cancer, the last two being associated with alternative splicing. AVPR2 is also expressed outside the kidney, and, when stimulated, can cause the release of Von Willebrand Factor from the Weibl-Palade Bodies in the endothelial cells of the vasculature. Because Von Willebrand Factor helps to stabilize circulating levels of factor VIII, the vasopressin analog, Desmopressin can be used to stimulate the AVPR2 receptor and increase levels of circulating factor VIII. This is useful in the treatment of Hemophilia A as well as Von Willebrand disease.

In the kidney, AVPR2's primary property is to respond to arginine vasopressin by stimulating mechanisms that concentrate the urine and maintain water homeostasis in the organism. When the function of AVPR2 is lost, the disease Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus (NDI) results.