Centrally administered ascorbic acid induces antidiuresis, natriuresis and neurohypophyseal hormone release in rats.
OBJECTIVE
Ascorbic acid represents one of the most important antioxidants and neuromodulators, and plays an important role in the cerebral system. In the present study, we investigated the central effect of ascorbic acid on fluid regulation and electrolyte homeostasis.


METHODS
Male Wistar rats were implanted with stainless steel cannulas into the lateral ventricle, and sodiun excretion and urinary volume were measured after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of ascorbic acid (200 or 600 nmol/rat). In another set of experiments, vasopressin and oxytocin plasma levels were evaluated 10, 20 and 30 minutes after ascorbic acid i.c.v. injection.


RESULTS
The administration of ascorbic acid to conscious rats resulted in a significant decrease in urinary volume and an increase in the renal excretion of sodium, with a concomitant increase in the plasma levels of vasopressin and oxytocin.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that ascorbic acid may play a significant role in the central regulation of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis.
Department of Biomedical Science of Federal University of Alfenas-MG, Alfenas, Brazil. agiustipaiva@gmail.com
Alexandre
A
Giusti-Paiva
Vinícus G Dias
VG
Domingues
D000818:Animals; D050034:Antidiuretic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D003243:Consciousness; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D008297:Male; D009318:Natriuresis / Q000187:drug effects*; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000097:blood; D010909:Pituitary Hormones, Posterior / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D015854:Up-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D014554:Urination / Q000187:drug effects*; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000097:blood; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000187:drug effects
D050034:Antidiuretic Agents; D010909:Pituitary Hormones, Posterior; D014667:Vasopressins; D010121:Oxytocin; D001205:Ascorbic Acid