Effect of desalivation on water and sodium chloride intake in rats.

Desalivate rats consumed significantly less water than sham-operated rats in response to acute challenges with a variety of dipsogens, including polyethylene glycol (PEG), isoproterenol, serotonin, and an angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor (CEI). Nonsignificant reductions were recorded after treatments with either angiotensin II or hypertonic NaCl. Meal-related hyperdipsia, and resultant possible hyperhydration, of desalivate rats does not account fully for these reductions in experimental thirsts. The mean 24-h intake of three concentrations of NaCl, in choice with water, showed no difference in the preferences for NaCl of desalivate and sham-operated animals. During chronic administration of CEIs, both desalivate and sham-operated rats showed comparable induction of NaCl appetite.