Intracerebroventricular insulin affects the neurohypophysial vasopressin content in euhydrated and dehydrated rats.

Abstract

Rats euhydrated or dehydrated for four days were given intracerebroventricular insulin once daily in a dose of 100 ng (not affecting blood sugar level). In euhydrated rats, insulin decreased significantly the neurohypophysial vasopressin content. In dehydrated animals the neurohypophysial content depleted by deprivation of water could be further reduced by intracerebroventricular treatment with insulin. These results may suggest a possible regulatory role of brain insulin in the mechanisms of vasopressin release.