Arginine vasopressin receptor 1B

Arginine vasopressin receptor 1B
Identifiers
Symbol(s)	AVPR1B
Entrez	553
OMIM	600264
RefSeq	NM_000707
UniProt	P47901
Other data
Locus	Chr. 1 q32

Arginine vasopressin receptor 1B (AVPR1B, vasopressin 3 receptor) is a protein that acts as receptor for arginine vasopressin. AVPR1B belongs to the subfamily of G-protein coupled receptors. Its activity is mediated by G proteins which stimulate a phosphatidylinositol-calcium second messenger system.

AVPR1B was initially described as a novel vasopressin receptor located in the anterior pituitary, where it stimulates ACTH release, especially in synergism with corticotropin releasing factor. Subsequent studies have shown its presence in the brain as well,.

Inactivation of the Avpr1b in mice (knockout) produces mice with greatly reduced aggression and a reduced ability to recognize recently investigated mice.. Interestingly, defensive behavior and predatory behaviors appear to normal in these knockout mice. There is evidence that social motivation or awareness is reduced in these mice. The AVPR1B antagonist, SSR149415, has been shown to have anti-aggressive actions in hamsters and anti-depressant- and anxiety (anxiolytic)-like behaviors in rats.

AVPR1B is expressed at high levels in ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas as well as in bronchial carcinoids responsible for the ectopic ACTH syndrome. Various stress-induced elevations of ACTH are blunted in the Avpr1b knockout mouse.