Cerebral sodium sensors in the sodium-deplete sheep.

The sodium intake of sodium deplete sheep was studied during local, push-pull perfusion of different solutions within the third cerebral ventricle. Sheep were made sodium deplete by continuous loss of parotid saliva, and were allowed access to 0.6 M NaHCO3 solution for 2 h daily. Local perfusion within the third cerebral ventricle was performed before and during the access to sodium solution. Four perfusion sites were used: anterior dorsal and ventral, and posterior dorsal and ventral. Perfusion of 200 mM Na-csf caused a decrease in sodium intake at each perfusion site. Perfusion of ouabain, 10(-6) M, caused a reduction in sodium intake only during perfusions within the anterior portion of the third ventricle. The results may indicate that specific neuronal elements sensitive to changes in intracellular sodium concentration are located around the anterior portion of the third cerebral ventricle. These neurones, however, are not exclusive sites from where sodium intake of sodium deplete sheep can be influenced.