Cardiovascular receptors and blood titer of antidiuretic hormone

Abstract

Bilateral cervical vagotomy resulted in a threefold increase in the blood titer of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in the dog. Occlusion of both common carotid arteries in dogs with vagi intact was without effect. However, after vagotomy, occlusion of the common carotid arteries resulted in an additional 2.5-fold increase in the blood level of ADH. This response was blocked by denervation of the carotid sinuses 1–2 weeks prior to the experiment. Baroceptors located at the junction of the thyroid and common carotid arteries do not appear to be of great importance in this response, since occlusion above the thyrocarotid junction was as effective as occlusion below this junction. It is concluded that there are at least two groups of receptors concerned with the regulation of the blood level of ADH within the vascular system: one group located in the carotid sinuses, and a second group with afferent nerve fibers in the vagi.