Cerebrospinal fluid sodium concentration and salt appetite.

Infusion into a lateral brain ventricle (IVT) of different hypertonic (0.7 M) saccharide solutions decreased [Na+] of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Increased Na appetite of moderately Na-deplete sheep was observed during infusion of mannitol, L-glucose or L-fucose, while no change was observed during infusion of D-glucose, D-fucose, D-mannose, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, 3-O-methyl-glucose or fructose. In other experiments, increased Na appetite was observed during infusion of 2.3 mM phlorizin (a relatively specific blocker of Na-coupled glucose transport into cells) or 2.3 mM phlorizin plus 0.7 M D-glucose. In addition, phlorizin eliminated the characteristic decrease in Na appetite but did not affect the increase in water intake caused by IVT infusion of hypertonic NaCl which increased [Na+] of CSF. The results suggest that: (a) there are sensors within the neuropil which respond to change of [Na+] and influence Na appetite, and that these changes of [Na+] are induced deep within the neuropil by those saccharides which do not cross the blood-brain barrier or enter cells; change of CSF[Na+] alone is not sufficient to alter appetite but a change in brain extracellular fluid (ECF)[Na+] is probably necessary; (b) the theory is advanced that the stimulus for altered Na intake could be altered brain ECF[Na+] producing a change in cerebral intracellular fluid (ICF)[Na+] of the sensors; and (c) phlorizin, in reducing or blocking Na-coupled glucose transport, could increase Na appetite by producing a fall in ICF[Na+] of the specific neurones subserving sodium appetite or prevent a decrease in Na appetite caused by IVT infusion of hypertonic NaCl by preventing an increase in ICF[Na+] of this same neuronal system.