Vasopressin and human behaviour

Peptides related to the pituitary hormone vasopressin (vp) have been found to influence aspects of memory processes and learning in laboratory animals (de wied, 1969; see de wied, 1983, for review). This finding has led to the suggestion that vp might have a clinical application in the treatment of human memory disorders. Unfortunately, it is not simple to state whether vp has been found effective. This is because clinical studies differ with respect to the nature of the patient population (e.g., brain trauma, alcoholism, depression) and the methods of testing used. In addition, there is wide variation in pharmacological parameters, such as the dose, route, and frequency of peptide administration. Accordingly, some studies report positive effects of vp administration, whereas others are negative (jolles, 1983b).keywordsmemory processsenile dementiaheroin addictmemory disorderkorsakoff syndromethese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.