Vasopressin V₁A receptor (V₁A receptor (also AVPR1A))

The Vasopressin V₁A receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor that mediates the physiological effects of the hormone arginine-vasopressin (AVP) primarily through activation of Gq/11 proteins, stimulating phospholipase C and increasing intracellular calcium. It is highly expressed on vascular smooth muscle cells and platelets but is also found in other tissues such as heart, brain, kidney, liver, and reproductive organs. Its activation results in vasoconstriction, regulation of blood pressure and circulating blood volume, thrombosis, and other endocrine and metabolic effects. Dysregulation or improper modulation of the V₁A receptor is implicated in a variety of disorders including cardiovascular diseases, thrombotic events, and renal pathologies. The receptor is targeted by both agonists (for vasoconstriction in shock) and antagonists (for specific vascular or renal conditions), with several therapeutic compounds and analogues developed for clinical management.

Other names

Vasopressin receptor type 1AV₁A receptorAVPR1AV1 receptor (colloquial but less specific)Vasopressin V1 receptor

Agonists induce vasoconstriction by increasing intracellular calcium in vascular smooth muscle via activation of phospholipase C signaling. Antagonists inhibit vasoconstriction, reduce vascular resistance, and may alleviate pathologic vascular contractility (e.g., in Raynaud's disease).