Vasopressin and oxytocin in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of conscious rabbits--response to dehydration and haemorrhage.

Vasopressin and oxytocin were determined simultaneously by a radioimmunoassay in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of conscious, unrestrained rabbits. An elevation of neuropeptide levels in plasma, but not in cerebrospinal fluid, in response to dehydration or haemorrhage suggests an independent regulation of vasopressin and oxytocin concentration in both body fluids.