Effects of Natriuretic Peptides on the Centrally Mediated Pressor Response to Clonidine in Freely Moving Rats

Abstract

Effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) treatment with atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on the pressor response to i.c.v.-injected clonidine were investigated in conscious rats. I.c.v.-pretreatment with ANP (10 μg) or BNP (10 μg) inhibited the pressor response to i.c.v.-injected clonidine (10 μg). Systemic (i.v.) treatment with ANP and BNP had no such effect. These results suggest that natriuretic peptides in the brain modulate the centrally mediated pressor response to clonidine.