Molecular basis and clinical features of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

Maintenance of water and electrolyte homeostasis is central to mammalian survival and, therefore, under stringent hormonal control. Water homeostasis is achieved by balancing fluid intake with water excretion, governed by the antidiuretic action of arginine vasopressin. Arginine vasopressin stimulation of renal V vasopressin receptors in the basolateral membrane of principal cells induces aquaporin-2-mediated water reabsorption in the kidney.