The systemic administration of vasopressin leads to the stimulation of a family of receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells, namely arginine vasopressin receptors (AVPR)1a, 1b, 2, oxytocin receptors, as well as some purinergic receptors. Thus, leading to a catecholamine-independent contraction of arterial blood vessels. This pressor effect is typically small in healthy individuals, but may play a larger role in patients with sepsis.