Intracranial Action of Oxytocin on Sodium Excretion by Conscious Dogs ∗

Abstract

Summary

Doses of oxytocin that are ineffective intravenously produce natriuresis when injected into the carotid arteries or the third cerebral ventricles of conscious dogs. These observations appear consistent with the hypothesis that oxytocin exerts its natriuretic effect by acting upon some intracranial structure rather than directly upon the kidneys.