Further evidence for a dopaminergic involvement in the renal action of centrally administered atrial natriuretic peptide in rats

Abstract

Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) induces an increase of urinary volume and sodium excretion in conscious male hydrated rats. The involvement of brain dopaminergic neurones in the ICV-ANP renal action was investigated. Diuretic and natriuretic action of ANP was prevented by inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase activity with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine treatment and was absent following selective central dopaminergic denervation with ICV administration of 6-hydroxydopamine in combination with desmethylimipramine (IP). Our results suggest that ANP acts centrally, at least in part, via an interaction with endogenous dopamine neurones.