Salt depletion inhibits cerebral-induced natriuresis in the dog

Experiments were carried out in the conscious dog to determine whether renal responses to intracarotid (IC) infusion of hypertonic NaCl are altered in the sodium-depleted state. In the sodium-replete animal, both IC and IV infusion of hypertonic NaCl produced significant increases in sodium excretion and significant decreases in free water clearance. However, both of these renal responses were more rapid in onset with IC infusion. Both IC and IV infusion decreased free water clearance. In the sodium-deplete animal, IC hypertonic NaCl infusion had no effect on sodium excretion but did decrease free water clearance. It is concluded that total body sodium is a determinant of the gain of the cerebral sodium-sensing mechanism and that this mechanism is different from the osmosensitive mechanism.