Hemodynamic mechanisms in CNS-induced natriuresis in the conscious rat

These experiments were designed to determine 1) the effects of increased CSF sodium concentration on renal hemodynamics in the conscious rat, and 2) the role of the periventricular tissue surrounding the anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) in the natriuretic and hemodynamic responses during this treatment. After electrolytic lesions of AV3V periventricular tissue or control surgery, blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate, effective renal blood flow, urine volume, and sodium and potassium excretion were measured before and during intraventricular (IVT) infusion of either isotonic or hypertonic saline solutions in conscious hydrated rats. Blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate, and sodium and potassium excretion increased during IVT infusion of concentrated sodium solutions in control rats but not in animals with lesions in the AV3V region. These data support the hypothesis that the natriuretic response to increased CSF sodium concentration in the rat is due to a pressor response and/or increased glomerular filtration rate and demonstrate that ablation of AV3V periventricular tissue blunts the natriuretic response, possibly through diminished central pressor mechanisms and/or decreased central control of glomerular filtration rate.