Vasopressin and Neurophysin: High Concentrations in Monkey Hypophyseal Portal Blood

Vasopressin and its binding protein, neurophysin, were measured by radioimmunoassay in the hypophyseal portal blood of monkeys after cannulation of individual long portal veins. Mean vasopressin concentrations (13,800 picograms per milliliter) in portal blood were more than 300 times as high as those in the systemic circulation (42 picograms per milliliter). Neurophysin concentration was approximately 25 times as high in portal as in systemic blood. By immunoperoxidase techniques, high concentrations of neurophysin were demonstrated around portal capillaries of the median eminence. These studies indicate direct secretion of vasopressin and neurophysin into the portal circulation; the quantities secreted during stress may be sufficient to exert significant effects on secretion of anterior pituitary hormone.