Vasopressin The main physiological role of vasopressin (ADH) is the reduction of free-water clearance by the kidney to produce concentrated urine. Vasopressin acts on the distal nephron to increase water permeability of the tubular cell so that solute-free water may pass along the osmotic gradient from the lumen of the nephron to the renal interstitial medulla. See later: •ÊOther Effects of Vasopressin • Regulation of Vasopressin Secretion • Osmoregulation of Vasopressin Secretion and Thirst • Plasma Osmolality and Plasma Vasopressin •ÊBaroregulation of Vasopressin Secretion • Renal Action of Vasopressin • Analogues of Vasopressin