Effects of catecholamines injected into the septal area of the rat brain on natriuresis, kaliuresis and diuresis.

Urinary output of Na+ and K+, and volume of urine have been studied in conscious, unrestrained, water-loaded male rats following the intraseptal injection of catecholamines. Natriuresis and kaliuresis increased after injecting noradrenaline (NA), the intensity being dose related. The dose-response curve suggests that a monomolecular interacting takes place between NA and pharmacological receptors present in the septal area. No change was observed in diuresis. Systematic mapping of the septal area yielded about the same results for all sites except a zone located in the lateral nucleus that was more sensitive. An alpha blocker (dibenamine), injected intraseptally before NA, showed an inhibitory effect while a beta blocker (propranolol) yielded a potentiation effect. These same effects of the blocking agents were observed when adrenaline was used instead of NA. Lidocaine, which inhibits the re-uptake of NA, showed an enhancement of the natriuretic and kaliuretic effect of NA, and the same effect was observed when the enzymatic destruction of NA was prevented by nialamide, an inhibitor of monoaminoxidase. Dopamine showed a natriuretic effect, but no effect was observed on K+ and urine output. Serotonin had no action on natriuresis, kaliuresis and diuresis.