WBR0272
| Author | [[PageAuthor::Gonzalo A. Romero, M.D. [1](Reviewed by Serge Korjian)]] |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | ExamType::USMLE Step 1 |
| Main Category | MainCategory::Biochemistry, MainCategory::Physiology |
| Sub Category | SubCategory::Endocrine, SubCategory::General Principles |
| Prompt | [[Prompt::An experimental mouse model aims to assess the effect of a molecule found in excess in mice deprived of water. After isolation of the molecule, it is administered in continuous subcutaneous infusions to conscious unrestrained mice provided with 5% dextrose solution to drink. Assessment after 30 minutes reveals significant retention of water and a decrease in serum sodium concentration. Which of the following is correct about this molecule?]] |
| Answer A | AnswerA::It exerts its effects through nuclear receptors |
| Answer A Explanation | AnswerAExp::Both type 1 and type 2 ADH receptors are surface bound. Nuclear receptors are characteristically associated with thyroid hormones (T3/T4). |
| Answer B | AnswerB::Its type 2 receptors are localized in the renal collecting ducts |
| Answer B Explanation | [[AnswerBExp::Type 2 ADH receptors are located at the basolateral side of the collecting tubules particularly the cortical and outer medullary collecting ducts. Once they are activated they activate downstream mediators via adenylate cyclase/cAMP and cause aquaporin translocation to the luminal side.]] |
| Answer C | AnswerC::Its type 1 receptors exert their action through cAMP |
| Answer C Explanation | AnswerCExp::Type 1 ADH receptors act via an IP3/DAG pathway |
| Answer D | AnswerD::It stimulates aquaporin translocation in the proximal tubules |
| Answer D Explanation | AnswerDExp::ADH acts only on the collecting tubules in the kidneys, it does not affect water reabsorption in the proximal tubules. Additionally, aquaporins are not found in the proximal tubules. |
| Answer E | AnswerE::It is a steroidal hormone |
| Answer E Explanation | AnswerEExp::Vasopressin is not a steroid hormone. There are 5 main classes of steroid hormones: androgens, estrogens, progestins, mineralocorticoids, and glucocorticoids. Aldosterone is an example of a mineralocorticoid steroid hormone. |
| Right Answer | RightAnswer::B |
| Explanation | [[Explanation::The vignette describes the classical properties of vasopressin or antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Vasopressin has 2 main functions dictated by their receptors. Type 1 receptors or AVPR1 are found in most organs particularly in the peripheral vasculature and are responsible for vasoconstriction in states of reduced plasma volume. Type 2 receptors or AVPR2 are found on the basolateral membrane of the epithelial cells lining the renal collecting ducts. It is secreted in response to thirst, reduced plasma volume, and increased osmolarity to stimulate water reabsorption. Vasopressin binding to type 2 receptors activates a cAMP mediated pathway that triggers the insertion of aquaporins (AQP2) on the luminal surface of the collecting tubules. Aquaporins are water channels that only allow water to be reabsorbed leading to urine concentration.
Vasopressin is produced by magnocellular neurosecretory neurons in the supraoptic nucleus on the hypothalamus and are conducted via axonal projection to the posterior pituitary (hence the name neurohypophysis). This model replicates the syndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH) usually caused by pulmonay diseases, CNS disturbances, severe illnesses, and as an adverse effect of certain medications. The most prominent feature of SIADH is hyponatremia. |
| Approved | Approved::Yes |
| Keyword | WBRKeyword::ADH, WBRKeyword::vasopressin, WBRKeyword::nephrology, WBRKeyword::renal, WBRKeyword::kidneys, WBRKeyword::water reabsorption, WBRKeyword::sodium, WBRKeyword::SIADH |
| Linked Question | Linked:: |
| Order in Linked Questions | LinkedOrder:: |