Effects of DOCA and salt intake on body sodium, fluid intake, blood pressure and excretion of a sodium load in rats
Simpson, F.O.; Ledingham, J.M.; Paulin, J.M.; Purves, R.D.
Journal of Hypertension. Supplement Official Journal of the International Society of Hypertension 3(3): S77-S78
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0952-1178 PMID: 2856786 Document Number: 262456
Body sodium was measured repeatedly by a whole-body counting method (22Na) in control and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-treated Wistar rats taking a sodium-free pelleted diet and drinking a choice of H2O and either 0.5% NaCl or 0.1% NaCl (n = 11 per group, four groups). Body sodium was higher in DOCA-treated than in control rats and higher in rats on 0.5% NaCl than in those on 0.1% NaCl. These differences persisted even when all sodium intake was stopped. An intraperitoneal NaCl load was excreted at least as rapidly by the DOCA-treated as by the control rats. Commencement of excretion was slower in the rats on 0.1% NaCl than in those on 0.5% NaCl. It is concluded that DOCA raises the basal level of body sodium but does not slow down the excretion of sodium in the body in excess of the basal level.