Effects of GABA natriuresis induced centrally by cholinergic stimulation

Sodium and potassium excretion and urine output have been studied in rats following water loading and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of isotonic saline (NaCl-0.15M), gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), picrotoxin, carbachol, GABA plus picrotoxin, GABA plus carbachol and GABA plus atropine. GABA injection decreased sodium and potassium excretion. Picrotoxin or carbachol injection elicited natriuresis and kaliuresis. GABA injection decreased the effects of the carbachol and atropine injection decreased the effects of the GABA on sodium and potassium excretion. These results suggest an interaction between gabaergic and cholinergic pathways in the control of sodium and potassium excretion.