The role of angiotensin AT1 receptors in the diuretic, natriuretic, kaliuretic and blood pressure responses induced by angiotensin II activation of the median preoptic nucleus in conscious rats

ABSTRACT

We determined the effects of two classical angiotensin II (ANG II) antagonists, [Sar1, Ala8]-ANG II and [Sar1, Thr8]-ANG II, and losartan (a nonpeptide and selective antagonist for the AT1 angiotensin receptors) on diuresis, natriuresis, kaliuresis and arterial blood pressure induced by ANG II administration into the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) of male Holtzman rats weighing 250-300 g. Urine was colected in rats submitted to a water load (5 percent body weight) by gastric gavage, followed by a second water load (5 percent body weight) 1 h later. The volume of the drug solutions injected was 0.5 µl over 10-15 s. Pre-treatment with [Sar1, Ala8]-ANG II (12 rats) and [Sar1, Thr8]-ANG II (9 rats), at the dose of 60 ng reduced (13.7 +/- 1.0 vs 11.0 +/- 1.0 +/- 1.2, respectively), whereas losartam (14 rats) at the dose of 160 ng totally blocked (13.7 +/- 1.0 vs.7.6 +/- 1.5) the urine excretion induced by injection of 12 ng of ANG II (14 rats)...