Binding of arginine vasopressin (AVP) to the vasopressin V2 receptor in principal cells of the collecting ducts begins a succession of intracellular processes culminating in increased water permeability. These steps include the activation of adenylyl cyclase via the stimulation of G-alpha-s heterometric proteins, increased levels of cAMP, activation of protein kinase A, and the fusion of vesicles consisting of water channel proteins (AQP2) with the luminal membrane.
Reproduced with permission from: Bichet DG. Nephrogenic and central diabetes insipidus. In: Schrier's Diseases of the Kidney, 9th ed, Coffman TM, Falk RJ, Molitoris BA, et al (Eds), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia 2012. Copyright © 2012 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
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