We hypothesized that a first-line therapy with the selective V2R-antagonist (propionyl1-D-Tyr(Et)2-Val4-Abu6-Arg8,9) vasopressin [12,13] is more effective than infusion of placebo and AVP in restoring cardiovascular and renal functions in early ovine septic shock. The gene discussed is AVPR2; the disease is septic shock.