Final answer:
Alcohol induces diuresis by inhibiting the secretion of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which decreases water reabsorption in the kidneys and increases urine output.
Therefore, the correct answer is: option b). it could inhibit secretion of adh
Step-by-step explanation:
ADH is a hormone that reduces water loss by promoting reabsorption of water in the kidneys. When alcohol is consumed, it inhibits the release of ADH from the posterior pituitary gland which results in reduced water reabsorption in the collecting ducts of the kidney, leading to an increase in urine output, known as diuresis.
Normally, ADH acts to insert aquaporin water channels in the collecting ducts, allowing water to be reabsorbed and returned to the circulation.
Deficiency of ADH is usually due to hypothalamic-neurohypophyseal lesions (central diabetes insipidus) or insensitivity of the kidney to ADH (nephrogenic diabetes insipidus). These patients, if untreated, have the predictable result of dehydration, hyperosmolality, hypovolemia, and eventual death in severe cases.
Alcohol, therefore, causes increased urine production and can lead to dehydration because the normal mechanism of water retention is interrupted.