ABSTRACT
The effect of mutual stimulation of the anterior and posterior hypothalamic nuclei on renal hemodynamics and sodium concentration in plasma was studied in anaesthetized cats. Unilateral renal vasodilation induced by anterior hypothalamic nucleus stimulation resulted in an ipsilateral increase in renal flow and increase in plasma sodium Concentration. Stimulation of the posterior hypothalamic nucleus in the presence of unilateral renal vasodilated kidney resulted in a sustained marked increase in plasms sodium level. These results are consistent with the view that the anterior hypothalamic nucleus stimulation produces a cardiovascular depressor effect and that the posterior hypothalamic nuclei produce a cardiovascular pressor effect. The proper combinations of the two physiological important variables, arterial pressure, renal vascular resistance. can effect large changes in tubular reabsorption of sodium, probably through intrarenal mechanisms