This gene encodes a receptor for arginine vasopressin, a neurohypophyseal hormone involved in diuresis inhibition, smooth muscle contraction, liver glycogenolysis stimulation and regulation of adrenocorticotropic hormone release from the pituitary. This receptor represents one of three G protein-coupled arginine vasopressin receptors which functions through a phosphotidylinositol-calcium second messenger system in vascular and hepatic tissues. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]