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The role of sodium concentration of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF[Na]) in the initiation and/or satiation of Na appetite of Na-deplete or Na-replete sheep was investigated. Slow infusion (1 ml/h) into a lateral brain ventricle of an artificial sheep CSF solution was begun 0-60 min prior to and continued until the end of the Na access period (30-120 min). In Na-deficient sheep, increasing CSF[Na] caused a decrease in Na intake. In both Na-deficient and Na-replete sheep, decreasing CSF[Na] caused an increase in Na intake. The appetite was observed within 25 min of beginning infusion, which represents the most rapid induction of Na appetite yet observed. In Na-replete sheep, the appetite induced by decreasing CSF[Na] was predominantly for Na-containing solutions. A decrease in CSF[Na] of only 4-6 mmol/l was sufficient to induce Na appetite. The results derived by use of different Na, saccharide, or urea containing artificial CSF solutions suggest that there are sensors within the neuropil that respond to change of [Na] and influence salt appetite. They can be accessed by inducing change in [Na] of cerebroventricular CSF.

Intraventricular administration of supraphysiological amounts of renin, nerve growth factor preparation, or angiotensin II greatly increased the consumption of water and hypertonic sodium bicarbonate solution by sheep. These effects were antagonized by intraventricular administration of drugs that prevent the formation of angiotensin II or block its receptors. The fact that these angiotensin-blocking drugs did not change the sodium intake of sodium-deficient sheep challenges the idea that central angiotensin action is involved in sodium appetite due to a deficiency.

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