| Abstract: | Intraventricular administration of tonin, an enzyme which forms angiotensin II directly from a natural protein substrate (angiotensinogen), stimulated water drinking and increased systemic blood pressure in rats. These responses were abolished by the simultaneous administration of an angiotensin II analogue, but unaffected by an angiotensin I- converting enzyme inhibitor. We confirmed, in vitro, that angiotensin II was generated when the brain homogenate was incubated with tonin in the presence of DFP and EDTA. These results indicate that the central effects of tonin on water drinking and systemic blood pressure are mediated via the direct formation of angiotensin II in the brain, and suggest the possibility that the tonin-angiotensin II system in the central nervous system might be important in controlling water balance and blood pressure. |
