The effect of Arginine Vasopressin on Ureagenesis in Isolated rat Hepatocytes

Abstract

The effect of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on ureagenesis was measured in isolated rat hepatocytes with ammonium chloride and L(+)-lactate as substrates. AVP was found to stimulate urea synthesis and the dose-response curve suggests that such an effect is present at concentrations of the hormone as low as 25-50 pmol/l. Both the dose-response curve and the concentrations of NH+4 employed suggest that the effect observed could be of physiological significance.