Effects of carotid occlusion and left atrial distention on plasma vasopressin titer

Abstract

This investigation was directed toward the clarification of the role of left atrial stretch receptors in the regulation of the blood level of vasopressin. Occlusion of both common carotid arteries in the anesthetized dog resulted in a marked elevation of the plasma titer of ADH. This response was blocked by the simultaneous inflation of a balloon in the left atrium. Balloon inflation was ineffective in the vagotomized dog. It is concluded that activation of stretch receptors in the wall of the left atrium results in an inhibition of the release of ADH from the neurohypophysis and that the afferent nerve fibers for these receptors are carried by the vagi.