Angiotensin Actions on the Brain Influencing Salt and Water Balance

Abstract

Angiotensin (Ang) AT1 receptors are located in many regions of the brain that influence fluid and electrolyte balance. Neurons that express ATI receptors in the subfornical organ and organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT), circumventricular organs that lack a blood-brain barrier, are stimulated by systemically administered Ang II to initiate water drinking, sodium appetite and vasopressin secretion. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of Ang II has a potent dipsogenic effect and also stimulates vasopressin secretion, effects probably caused mainly by an action of centrally administered Ang II on the median preoptic nucleus. Central administration of drugs that block the AT1 r..