HYPOTHALAMIC CONTROL OF WATER AND SALT INTAKE AND EXCRETION

This article provides a personal and historical review of research con cerning the hypothalamic control of water and salt intake and excretio n. The following major points will be considered: 1. Electrical, osmot ic, cholinergic, a-adrenergic and peptidergic stimulation of the hypot halamus. 2. Determination of the pathways involved in these neuroendoc rine responses. 3. The participation of ANP in the control of thirst a nd salt excretion. 4. The participation of the brain ANPergic neuronal system in ANP release. 5. The role of hypothalamic ANPergic neurons a nd of sinoaortic and renal baroreceptors in the regulation of volume e xpansion-induced release of ANP. 6. Effects of the brain ANP system on other hormones.