Effects of adrenalectomy and aldosterone on the action of centrally administered rat atrial natriuretic peptide-(99-126).

Intracerebroventricular (i.v.t.) administration of rat atrial natriuretic peptide-(99-126) (rANP) increases urinary volume and sodium excretion, but the mechanism is undefined. A diminished mineralocorticoid effect on the kidneys may explain the natriuretic phenomenon. This hypothesis was tested by i.v.t. rANP injection (1.25 micrograms/5 microliters) in conscious, hydrated rats pretreated beforehand with d-aldosterone (20 micrograms/kg, i.p.). Although the absolute amount of sodium excreted was reduced, aldosterone did not affect rANP-induced sodium output at 1 and 3 h. Rats which were sham-operated or bilaterally adrenalectomized (ADX) after four days were pretreated with aldosterone and given an oral water load followed by i.v.t. rANP or saline. In ADX rats natriuresis and diuresis after rANP were still evident. Our results indicate that the natriuretic effect of i.v.t. rANP is unrelated to plasma levels of mineralocorticoids. Likewise, diuresis and natriuresis can occur in the absence of the adrenal glands.