Eating, drinking and urine output after prolonged cerebroventricular vasopressin infusions in rats.

Prior studies suggested that centrally administered single doses of vasopressin (VP) do not affect consummatory behavior or peripheral hydration. To reduce uncertainties related to factors of unknown distribution, concentration and duration, we infused VP (0.5 or 50 ng/h) continuously for 5 h or 5 days into a lateral cerebroventricle of conscious male rats. Eating and drinking behavior, as well as urine volume and sodium and potassium output, were unaffected by these treatments. The results suggest that VP, at sites reached from cerebrospinal fluid, does not alter peripheral hydration of rats.