Effect of deoxycorticosterone on sodium appetite of intact and adrenalectomized rats

Abstract

The effect of DOC on sodium chloride (saline) intake was studied in intact and adrenalectomized rats under "two-bottle" self-selection conditions. It was found that in adrenalectomized rats low doses of DOC produced a decrease in saline intake (restoration of sodium-retaining ability), whereas high doses produced an increase in saline intake (stimulation of sodium appetite). At high doses, however, intact rats consumed more saline and manifested a greater preference for it than did similarly treated adrenalectomized rats. Treatment with corticosterone increased both absolute saline intake and saline preference of DOC-treated adrenalectomized rats.