Vasopressin and amino acid concentrations in serum following absorption of irrigating fluid containing glycine and ethanol.

Absorption of glycine solution during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) changes the serum concentrations of most non-essential amino acids and inhibits diuresis by stimulating release of vasopressin. Ethanol was used as a marker to detect the absorption of irrigant. Measurements of the serum concentrations of vasopressin and amino acids were made in eight patients with absorption volumes from 427 to 1906 ml. Ethanol did not alleviate the vasopressin response to glycine absorption, but changes in the amino acid concentrations in serum became less pronounced than when glycine alone was used.