Vagal-dependent stimulation of gastric acid secretion by intracerebroventricularly administered atrial natriuretic peptide in anaesthetized rats.

The intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of 10 micrograms of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) stimulated spontaneous gastric acid secretion in anaesthetized rats, whereas this dose of ANP was without any effect after i.v. injection. The secretagogue action of i.c.v. administered ANP was totally abolished by truncal vagotomy. The findings indicate that i.c.v. administration of ANP stimulates gastric acid secretion in anaesthetized rats by a central, vagal-dependent mechanism.