Abstract
Aminopeptidase inhibitors have been demonstrated to enhance the behavioral effects of both exogenously applied and endogenously released neuropeptides. In this study peptidase inhibitors were used as probes for involvement of central neuropeptides in osmotically-induced drinking behavior. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of amastatin, an aminopeptidase A inhibitor, potentiated water intake induced by subcutaneous injections of hypertonic saline. Drinking responses to i.c.v. infusions of hypertonic saline were also enhanced when amastatin was added to the infusions. The effect was not attenuated by the angiotensin receptor antagonist, [Sar1, Thr8]angiotensin II, which suggests that angiotensins do not play a role in the over-drinking. Drinking responses to centrally infused hypertonic saline were not enhanced by i.c.v. thiorphan, an endopeptidase inhibitor; this provides evidence that the effects of amastatin are specific for a particular class of peptidases. These results suggest that there is a role for an endogenous, non-angiotensinergic brain peptide in the mediation of osmotic thirst.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.