Effect of intracerebroventricular administration of angiotensin II on emetic reflex in dogs.

ABSTRACT

Area postrema is rich in angiotensin II receptors and intravenous (iv) administration of angiotensin II has been reported to elicit emesis. However, in the present study intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of angiotensin II up to a dose of 10 micrograms failed to elicit emesis. It is suggested that presence of a cerebrospinal fluid-brain barrier in area postrema most probably prevents access of icv angiotensin II to its receptors which are otherwise accessible on iv administration.