ADH

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These cells sense the concentration of particles in the blood. When the concentration is high, the pituitary releases more ADH. This causes more water to be retained to dilute the body fluids. When the concentration is low, the pituitary releases less ADH.

Special areas in the heart sense blood volume and blood pressure. The heart signals the pituitary to release more ADH when blood volume or blood pressure are low and less ADH when they are high.

Certain diseases affect the normal release of ADH. The blood level of ADH must be tested to determine the cause of the disease. ADH may be measured as part of a "water restriction test" to find the cause of a disease.

Review Date: 10/14/2009
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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