Evidence for a dopaminergic involvement in the natriuretic action of centrally administered renin.

Intracerebroventricular (IVT) administration of renin (R) to conscious male hydrated rats induces an increase in sodium excretion. The involvement of brain dopaminergic neurons in the renal action of IVT-R was investigated. Renin-induced natriuretic action was prevented by domperidone and by inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase activity with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine treatment. In addition, this effect was absent following selective central dopaminergic denervation with 6-hydroxydopamine (IVT) in combination with desmethylimipramine (IP). Our results suggest that renin acts centrally, at least in part, via an interaction with endogenous dopamine systems.