Faculty Register Walter W.Y. Chan, Ph.D. Pharmacology Professor of Pharmacology. OT and VP have multiple biological functions involving the kidney, the cardiovascular, the reproductive systems, and cognitive and behavioral effects. Four receptor subtypes, V 1a , V 1b, V 2 and OT, have been identified. The diverse multiple biological actions of OT and VP suggest the existence of additional and yet to be identified new receptor subtypes. OT-antagonists are tocolytic agents and have potential therapeutic value in the prevention of premature birth.
Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity.
Effective therapy for preterm birth has not been developed. Successful prevention of premature birth would have the single greatest impact on reducing infant mortality. J. Pharmacol . W.Y. Synthesis and structure-activity investigation of novel vasopressin hypotensive peptide agonists. J. Peptide Sci.