Effect of nonpeptide angiotensin receptor antagonists on water intake and salt appetite in rats

Nonpeptide angiotensin AT-1 and AT-2 receptor antagonists were administered cerebroventricularly to rats and their effects on various types of angiotensin II (AII)-stimulated water and NaCl intakes examined. The AT-1 receptor blocker, losartan potassium (DUP 753), inhibited water intake evoked by central administration of AII, with the 50% inhibitory dose being less than 0.1 microgram. The functional inhibition by higher doses lasted at least 1 h. The AT-2 receptor antagonist PD 123319 also inhibited AII-induced water intake, but at doses about tenfold higher than losartan. Central, but not peripheral, administration of losartan partially inhibited NaCl intake induced by either sodium depletion, treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (CEIs), or adrenalectomy. PD 123319 partially inhibited NaCl intake induced by both sodium depletion and administration of CEI, but not after adrenalectomy. Another AT-2 receptor antagonist, CGP 42112A, likewise inhibited NaCl intake after sodium deprivation. These data suggest that both AT-1 and AT-2 receptor subtypes in the brain are involved in angiotensin-related water and NaCl intakes.