Anti-Diuretic Hormone increases
reabsorption of water by the kidney - which prevents the body
from losing excessive amounts of water.
Insufficient anti-diuretic hormone can result in diabetes
insipidus (a condition in which large amounts of urine are produced
- note that diabetes insipidus is not to be confused with
diabetes mellitus). Diabetes insipidus
may be treated by administration of anti-diuretic hormone to the
patient - either nasally or by injection.
Anti-Diuretic Hormone also causes constriction
of blood vessels.
Intravenous injections of this hormone are used
to control bleeding from certain parts of the body by restricting
blood flow.
For further general/summary information (excellent for revision
!) visit the page about
Endocrine
Glands of the Human Body. |