What is the Origin of Copeptin?

This peptide originates as the C-terminal portion of the precursor molecule, pre-pro-vasopressin, which is synthesized in the hypothalamus. The name "Copeptin" is a portmanteau reflecting its position on the C-terminus of the precursor protein. Its clinical utility stems from the discovery that while AVP has a very short half-life and is difficult to assay accurately, Copeptin is highly stable in circulation.

What is the Mechanism of Copeptin?

Copeptin is co-secreted in equimolar amounts with AVP and neurophysin II from the posterior pituitary gland in response to the same physiological stimuli, primarily increased plasma osmolality or decreased blood volume (hypovolemia). Although Copeptin itself has no known biological function once released into the bloodstream, its stable release pattern makes its plasma concentration a reliable and robust indicator of the body's AVP status and the integrity of the osmoregulatory system.

Copeptin ∞ Area

Copeptin

Meaning

Copeptin is a 39-amino acid glycopeptide released from the pituitary gland, serving clinically as a stable and easily measurable surrogate marker for the less stable, critical hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP), also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Measurement of Copeptin is a valuable diagnostic tool in endocrinology for evaluating water balance disorders and conditions related to hemodynamic stress. Its concentration reflects the acute release of its parent hormone.

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