Sodium deprivation during thiamin deficiency in rats: hormonal, histological, and behavioral responses

J Nutr. 1981 Nov;111(11):1955-63. doi: 10.1093/jn/111.11.1955.

Abstract

Adrenal function, determined by adrenocortical hormone measurement and histological studies, was examined in adult rats fed on of the following four diets for four weeks: thiamin-sufficient, sodium-adequate (+B/+Na) or inadequate (+B/-Na); and thiamin-deficient, sodium-adequate (-B/+NA) or inadequate (-B/-Na). Thiamin-deficiency significantly depressed plasma and urinary aldosterone responses to sodium deprivation; on the other hand, thiamin status had no consistent significant effect on aldosterone levels in sodium-adequate rats. Plasma corticosterone levels were significantly elevated by thiamin deficiency and yet unaffected by sodium deprivation. Histological examination of the adrenal glands in thiamin-deficient rats revealed a suboptimal zona glomerulosa response to sodium deprivation. Juxtaglomerular granulation in the kidneys indicated that renin secretion was adequate in thiamin-deficient rats. In another experiment, salt (NaCl) appetite development was confirmed in adult rats fed the -B/+Na diet. A direct role of aldosterone in producing salt appetite in thiamin-deficient rats seems unlikely since aldosterone levels were essentially unchanged in rats fed the -B/+Na diet. Instead, the elevated corticosterone levels in thiamin-deficient rats suggest a general stress mechanism for salt appetite development of which the reduced aldosterone response to sodium deprivation is a symptom.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Glands / pathology
  • Aldosterone / blood
  • Aldosterone / urine
  • Animals
  • Appetite / physiology*
  • Corticosterone / blood
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Sodium / deficiency*
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Thiamine Deficiency / pathology
  • Thiamine Deficiency / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Sodium Chloride
  • Aldosterone
  • Sodium
  • Corticosterone