Possible mechanisms responsible for the rise in plasma vasopressin associated with diabetic ketoacidosis in the rat

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Abstract
The plasma concentration of arginine vasopressin (AVP) is increased in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in man and the rat. Although haemodynamic changes and nausea/emesis may account for the increased secretion of AVP in severe human DKA, they appear not to be responsible in moderate DKA. Streptozotocin-treated rats were studied to investigate other factors possibly involved in the secretion of AVP in DKA. Wistar rats were injected i.p. with streptozotocin (150 mg/kg body weight). Diabetic rats were maintained on 3–4 units protamine–zinc insulin (PZI)/day for 11 days, after which PZI was withdrawn for 3 days in half the rats. The plasma concentration of AVP was greater in rats with DKA than in normal controls (mean 11·4 pmol/l compared with 1·6 pmol/l; P P r = +0·75; P r= +0·60; P J. Endocr. (1988) 116, 343–348