Biochem/physiol Actions Copeptin, the C-terminal part of the vasopressin prohormone is a stable and sensitive surrogate marker for AVP release. Copeptin, a 39-amino acid glycopeptide that comprises the C-terminal part of the Arginine vasopressin (AVP) precursor (CT-proAVP), is cosynthesized with AVP. AVP is a primary secretagogue of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, a key hormone for maintaining fluid balance and vascular tone, and is a marker of acute endogenous stress. However, it has a short half-life and measurement of mature AVP is difficult and subject to errors. Copeptin in contrast is stable and easily measured. |
Biochem/physiol Actions Copeptin, the C-terminal part of the vasopressin prohormone is a stable and sensitive surrogate marker for AVP release. Copeptin, a 39-amino acid glycopeptide that comprises the C-terminal part of the Arginine vasopressin (AVP) precursor (CT-proAVP), is cosynthesized with AVP. AVP is a primary secretagogue of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, a key hormone for maintaining fluid balance and vascular tone, and is a marker of acute endogenous stress. However, it has a short half-life and measurement of mature AVP is difficult and subject to errors. Copeptin in contrast is stable and easily measured. |