[Effect of angiotensin II on vasopressin gene transcription in the hypothalamus of rats].

Experiments were carried out in male Sprague-Dawley rats. 3'-end digoxigenin-labeled 26 bp oligonucliotide probe was used to detect the vasopressin (AVP) mRNA in the hypothalamus. Dot blotting technique was used in the investigation of AVP gene transcription level. The results showed that continuous intracerebroventricular administration (i.c.v.) of angiotensin II at a rate of 0.2 nmol/h for 2 days by using a miniosmotic pump resulted in a significant increase in daily water intake. An increase of AVP gene transcription level in the hypothalamus was also observed, but statistically insignificant. When daily water intake was limited (25 ml/d), continuous i.c.v. infusion of ANG II caused a significant increase in hypothalamic AVP gene transcription. It was also observed that hypothalamic AVP gene transcription level increased after salt loading and dehydration. However, intraperitoneal application of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril (5 mg/(kg.d)) or i.c.v. nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist Dup753 (0.9 nmol/h) did not attenuate the increase of AVP gene transcription level induced by salt loading or dehydration. It is therefore suggested that the administration of ANG II enhances AVP gene transcription in the hypothalamus, especially when water intake is limited. However, this increase does not involve the participation of endogenous ANG II.