Cerebral Na concentration, Na appetite and thirst of sheep: influence of somatostatin and losartan

Na and water intakes of Na-depleted sheep are influenced by changes in cerebral Na concentration. The effect of intracerebroventricular infusion of somatostatin or losartan, the ANG II type 1 receptor antagonist, on the Na appetite and thirst of Na-depleted sheep during infusions that decrease (intracerebroventricular hypertonic mannitol) or increase (intracerebroventricular or systemic hypertonic NaCl) cerebral Na concentration was investigated. Na intake was increased but water intake was unchanged during intracerebroventricular infusion of hypertonic mannitol. The increased Na appetite caused by intracerebroventricular infusion of hypertonic mannitol was decreased by concurrent intracerebroventricular infusion of either somatostatin or losartan, with somatostatin being most effective. Water intake was increased during intracerebroventricular infusion of hypertonic mannitol and somatostatin. Na intake was decreased and water intake was increased during systemic or intracerebroventricular infusion of hypertonic NaCl. Intracerebroventricular infusion of losartan blocked both (Na and water intake), whereas somatostatin did not influence either of these changes in intake. The results further consolidate a role for somatostatin and ANG II in the central mechanisms controlling Na appetite and thirst of sheep.