Central administration of somatostatin suppresses the stimulated sodium intake of sheep.

The effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion (50 micrograms/h over 3 h) of somatostatin (SOM) on Na and water intake of sheep was determined. In Na-deplete sheep, infusion of SOM-(28) but not SOM-(14) decreased (P less than 0.05) Na intake, while both SOM-(28) and SOM-(14) increased water intake. I.c.v. infusion of SOM-(28) did not significantly affect Na or water intake of Na-replete sheep. I.c.v. infusion of SOM-(28) decreased (P less than 0.01) Na intake but did not alter the high water intakes of water-deprived sheep or sheep infused i.c.v. with angiotensin II. The results are compatible with an inhibitory action of somatostatin on stimulated brain mechanisms subserving Na appetite but not on stimulated brain mechanisms subserving thirst. Somatostatin may antagonize the inhibition of thirst in Na-deplete sheep. The results suggest that somatostatin may have a regulatory role in ingestive behavior concerned with body fluid and Na homeostasis. The difference between SOM-(14) and SOM-(28) in decreasing the Na intake of Na-deplete sheep may be due to a difference in potency or mechanism of action.