Release of oxytocin induced by salt loading and its influence on renal excretion in the male rat.

1. The present study investigates the nature and magnitude of the renal response to plasma levels of oxytocin which might be induced by salt loading. 2. Increased plasma osmolality induced by loading with NaCl is an effective stimulus for oxytocin release in the unanaesthetized male rat. Plasma oxytocin concentration was positively correlated (r = 0-.77) with plasma osmolality. Plasma oxytocin (muu./ml.) = 0.37 x (plasma osmolality (m-osmole/kg) -297). 3. In anaesthetized Long Evans rats intra-atrial administration of oxytocin at rates of 0.05 and 0.15 m-u./ml. produced plasma hormone concentrations (5 +/- 1 and 16 +/- 2 mum./ml. respectively) within the range induced by salt loading. 4. Oxytocin administration at 0.15 and 1.5 m-u./min in Long Evans rats produced dose-related increases in urine flow and Na+ and Cl- excretion. Renal responses to 0.05 m-u. oxytocin/min were equivocal. 5. Oxytocin administration at 0.15 m-u./min was ineffective in Brattleboro rats but 1.5 m-u./min led to increased Na+ and Cl- excretion and a reduction in urine flow. 6. Plasma oxytocin levels similar to those induced by severe dehydration or salt loading are effective in increasing renal Na+ and Cl- excretion and urine flow. These effects on water and electrolyte excretion appear to be independent of each other and both may be modified by the presence or absence of vasopressin. 7. This study provides no evidence for a major role for oxytocin in the day to day regulation of salt or water balance under conditions of normal hydration in the male rat.