The renin-angiotensin system and drinking in the euryhaline flounder, Platichthys flesus

Drinking behaviour and its possible regulation by the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been examined in the euryhaline flounder. Fluid intake was greater in seawater (SW)-adapted than freshwater (FW)-adapted fish, the latter having significantly lower plasma sodium, chloride, and osmotic concentrations. Oesophageal cannulation in SW-adapted fish resulted in further elevation of drinking rates, which increased proportionally with progressive body water loss as measured by the fall in body weight and rise in plasma tonicity. The influence of the RAS on drinking in SW-adapted fish was examined in animals with an intact gastrointestinal tract. Fluid intake fell markedly following administration of the converting enzyme inhibitor, Captopril. Infusions of angiotensin I (AI) and angiotensin II (AII) induced dose-related increments in the rate of drinking. The increased drinking in response to AI was inhibited, however, by the simultaneous administration of Captopril. The results are consistent with the presence in the flounder of the major elements of the RAS, including AI, AII, and a converting enzyme-like substance. The RAS appears to play an important regulatory role in the adaptative drinking behaviour associated with migration of euryhaline teleosts between FW and SW.