Effect of brain natriuretic peptide on dehydration- or angiotensin II-induced water intake in rats.

The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of 3rdV injection on water intake of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), which is structurally different from the atrial natriuretic peptide. BNP was recently isolated from porcine brain and appears to have a different precursor than the family of atrial natriuretic peptides. Central administration of BNP 3rdV decreased water intake. At a dose of 2.0 nmol/rat, BNP partially inhibited dehydration-induced water intake and completely blocked the stimulatory effect of 478 pmol/rat angiotensin II in rats.