Cerebellar lesions attenuate vasopressin release in response to hemorrhage

The effect of bilateral lesions of the fastigial nucleus of the cerebellum on the release of vasopressin in response to a hypovolemic-hypotensive stimulus was examined in unanesthetized rats. Electrolytic lesions of the rostromedial fastigial nucleus decreased plasma vasopressin levels and attenuated the release of vasopressin in response to hemorrhage. These results suggest that the fastigial nucleus is involved in the regulation of vasopressin release to baroreceptor information and support a role of the fastigial nucleus in the response to hemorrhage.