Alcohol acts as a diuretic because A) it decreases water absorption at the distal convoluted tubule

Alcohol acts as a diuretic because

A) it decreases water absorption at the distal convoluted

tubule

B) it decreases water absorption at the proximal convoluted tubule

C) it suppresses ADH production

D) it Suppresses angiotensin Il production E) none of these

Answer: C) it suppresses ADH production

The kidney releases less ADF when alcohol is consumed since alcohol indirectly reduces its secretion by the hypothalamus. ADH also known as vasopressin is a hormone made in the hypothalamus but is secreted in the posterior pituitary gland. Arguably, its primary role is to modulate water resorption in the kidneys by enhancing permeability to water in collecting ducts. As seen from the above description, normal levels of ADH in the circulation promote efficient reabsorption of water within the kidneys, and whenever circulation of alcohol reduces the levels of ADH, production of urine increases and dehydration results. This has the undesirable aspect of also increasing diuresis and therefore, if not sufficiently replaced by additional water intake, the effects can be detrimental to the body. The other options concerning the ability of alcohol to absorb water within certain segments of the nephron or inhibit angiotensin II have no direct link with diuretic action.