Systemic angiotensin II does not act at the area postrema to suppress alcohol intake

The area postrema (AP), a circumventricular organ located in the dorsal medulla, is involved in the coordination of visceral and taste sensory stimuli in the control of ingestive behaviors. This area lacks a blood-brain barrier and is rich in angiotensin receptors. Because systemically administered angiotensin II reduces voluntary alcohol intake, we examined the effect of AP lesions on alcohol intake and on the ability of ANG II reduces alcohol intake. Compared to sham-operated controls, rats with AP lesions consumed significantly more of a palatable 3% alcohol solution, and equal amounts of a less palatable 6% alcohol solution, but the lesion did not alter the ability of ANG II to reduce alcohol intake. These findings indicate that while the AP plays no role in the suppressive effect of ANG II on alcohol consumption, it can modulate alcohol consumption through its responsiveness to orosensory stimuli.