In the brain, angiotensinergic pathways play a major role in chronic regulation of cardiovascular and electrolyte homeostasis. Increases in plasma angiotensin II (Ang II), aldosterone, [Na+] and cytokines can directly activate these pathways. Chronically, these stimuli also activate a slow neuromodulatory pathway involving local aldosterone, mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs), epithelial sodium ...

Various studies have investigated the role of central opioid peptides in feeding behavior; however, only a few have addressed the participation of opioids in the control of salt appetite. The present study investigated the effect of intracerebroventricular injections of the δ-opioid antagonist, naltrindole (5, 10 and 20 nmol/rat) and the agonist, deltorphin II (2.5, 5, 10 and 20 nmol/rat) on sa...

Considering the anti-diabetic potential of Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) and its beneficial effect on aortic reactivity of diabetic rats, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of its alcoholic seed extract on aortic reactivity and also figure out mechanisms including the role of adrenergic and angiotensinergic systems in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided in...

PURPOSE Angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) catalyses the formation of angiotensin II (ANGII), which presumably acts as a central neurotransmitter/modulator. ANGII-related effects have also been observed in the retina. Present in vivo experiments were designed to investigate further ANGII-related effects on retinal neuromodulation. METHODS In 12 anesthetized cats, electroretinographic measure...

The role of the central opioid system in the control of water and salt intake is complex, with both stimulatory and inhibitory effects having been observed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the participation of the central κ-opioid receptors in the control of salt appetite. Male Wistar rats were submitted to two different experimental protocols: sodium deficit produced by the diu...

Gabor A, Leenen FH. Central neuromodulatory pathways regulating sympathetic activity in hypertension. J Appl Physiol 113: 1294–1303, 2012. First published July 5, 2012; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00553.2012.—The classical neurotransmitters, glutamate and GABA, mediate fast (milliseconds) synaptic transmission and modulate its effectiveness through slow (seconds to minutes) signaling processes. An...

The mechanism by which lactating rats increase fluid consumption to meet the demands of milk production is unknown. Because ANG II is the most potent dipsogenic stimulus known, this study examined whether angiotensinergic signaling plays a role in enhanced drinking in lactating rats. ANG II administered intracerebroventricularly caused a significantly greater dipsogenic response in lactating ra...

The present article reviews the role of the serotoninergic system in the regulation of the sodium appetite. Data from the peripheral and icv administration of serotoninergic (5-HTergic) agents showed the participation of 5-HT2/3 receptors in the modulation of sodium appetite. These observations were extended with the studies carried out after brain serotonin depletion, lesions of DRN and during...