On a possible dual role for central noradrenaline in the control of hydromineral fluid intake

1. Noradrenaline (NOR) is a neurotransmitter present in the central nervous system which is related to the control of ingestive behavior of food and fluids. We describe here the relationship between NOR and intake of water and NaCl solution, fluids that are essential for a normal body fluid-electrolytic balance. 2. Central NOR has an inhibitory effect on fluid intake, but it either induces or not alterations in food intake. Several ways of inducing water intake, such as water deprivation, meal-associated water intake, administration of angiotensinergic, cholinergic or beta-adrenergic agonists, or administration of hyperosmotic solutions, are inhibited by alpha-adrenergic agonists. Need-induced sodium intake by sodium-depleted animals is also inhibited by alpha-adrenergic agonists. 3. NOR can also facilitate fluid intake. Water intake is elicited by NOR and the integrity of central noradrenergic systems is necessary for a normal expression of water or salt intake in dehydrated animals. The angiotensinergic component of either behavior apparently depends on a central noradrenergic system. NOR probably facilitates fluid intake by acting on postsynaptic receptors, but we do not know how it inhibits fluid intake. 4. The inhibitory and facilitatory effects of NOR on ingestive behavior suggest a dual role for this neurotransmitter in the control of hydromineral fluid intake.