[Morphological study of Organum cavum pre-lamina terminalis (OCPLT), implicated in thirst in rats]

It has been shown that micro-injections of angiotensin II in the Organum cavum pre-lamina terminalis (OCPLT) of the rat brain trigger water intake. Our anatomical study shows that the anterior, vertical extension of this Organum corresponds to the anterior inter-hemispheric fissure, and its posterior, horizontal extension to the Cavum septi pellucidi (CSP). Contrary to classical descriptions, the CSP persists in the adult rat, though reduced to one third of its initial antero-posterior extension. It appears rostrally as an opening into the anterior inter-hemispheric fissure. The absence of ependymal cells and of communication with the lateral ventricles points to the fact that this diverticulum is not a median cerebral ventricle. Its pial sheathing and the presence of leptomenix in the cavity confirm its inter-hemispheric origin. The pinocytotic vesicles of the meningeal capillaries suggest an active transfer of substances. Circumstantial evidence suggests circulating angiotensin could be one of them.