The regulation of AQP2 is tightly controlled by the hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP), also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). When the body is dehydrated, AVP is released from the posterior pituitary gland. AVP binds to V2 receptors on the basolateral membrane of principal cells, initiating a signaling cascade that results in the insertion of AQP2 into the apical membrane, thereby increasing water reabsorption.
