Vasopressin is a hormone that regulates water retention and can cause vasoconstriction. Recent studies suggest it may affect the ability to pair bond in some mammals, including humans. Higher levels of vasopressin are found in monogamous animals and may be related to happiness in monogamous relationships.
Vasopressin is a hormone formed in the hypothalmus and secreted by the pituitary gland in mammals. The hormone has a variety of effects when released, although it is primarily used to control water retention through the reduction of urine output. Recent studies suggest that vasopressin serves another interesting purpose, however, in that it may affect the ability to pair bond in some mammals.
When the body is dehydrated, it uses vasopressin as a way to regulate water in the body. By reducing and concentrating the amount of urine excreted, the hormone helps the body reabsorb available water and maintain normal organ function. This is considered to be the primary use of the hormone, but it is far from the hormone’s only ability.
If large amounts of vasopressin are released into the body through the pituitary gland, it can cause vasoconstriction. This process narrows blood vessels and can temporarily raise blood pressure. If the body experiences severe shock, such as those caused by trauma or stroke, blood pressure can drop to dangerously low levels. The release of vasopressin can help return the body to normal blood pressure and prevent or lessen the effects of shock.
Some recent studies have shown that the hormone can cause a number of interesting neurological effects. In voles and rats, vasopressin has been shown to have a considerable impact on sexual, mating and parenting behaviors. It is also believed to be related to aggressive behaviors, especially those consistent with maternal or protective behaviors.
Animals known for monogamous behavior, such as prairie voles, exhibit higher levels of vasopressin than their polygamous counterparts. In humans, there have been a few studies that claim to show a correlation between high levels of the hormone and happiness in monogamous relationships or marriage. These findings remain somewhat controversial, but most experts agree with the assessment that there is some relationship between monogamous tendencies and vasopressin levels.
While the behavior of voles may appear to bear little relation to that of humans, social relationships with other humans have proven vital to human survival throughout history. While humans tend to associate their affection or commitment with others as a result of their emotions, the influence of hormones such as vasopressin on the establishment and maintenance of emotional relationships is the subject of consistent scientific study throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. .
The body is a strange and wonderful organism, and extremely efficient in the use of available materials. While it may seem a little strange that a hormone primarily used to control kidney function can also help you have a happy marriage, it’s just another example of how well the system works. Ensuring a strong pair bond increases the likelihood that offspring with two parents will provide and protect them, therefore increasing the likelihood of survival. Vasopressin, in addition to its useful abilities to regulate kidney function and provide needed vasoconstriction, may also be a secret agent working to help you fall in love and stay that way.
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