Effects of Intracerebroventricular Infusion of Aldosterone on Blood Pressure and Sodium and Potassium Concentrations in Cerebral Spinal Fluid in Rats

Abstract

The central effects of aldosterone on blood pressure and sodium (Na) and potassium (K) concentrations in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) were examined by chronic intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of aldosterone. The rats were infused for 14 days with either ICV artificial CSF, ICV aldosterone or aldosterone subcutaneously using miniosmotic pumps. ICV aldosterone increased blood pressure and lowered the K concentration in CSF. The Na concentration in CSF tended to increase, although not significantly. No significant changes in concentrations of serum Na and K, plasma renin, aldosterone, norepinephrine or ANP were observed. These results suggest that aldosterone induces blood pressure elevation through a central action, and that a change in Na or K concentration in CSF may be involved.

Key Words:

• Aldosterone
• Blood pressure
• Sodium and potassium
• CSF