The influence of vasopressin on oxytocin-induced changes in urine flow in the male rat

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Abstract
Oxytocin administration in rats infused with hypotonic saline is associated with a saliuresis and altered renal H2O excretion. The role of vasopressin in determining the pattern of oxytocin-induced changes in urine flow was investigated in Long Evans and vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rats, which exhibit contrasting diuretic and antidiuretic responses to oxytocin. Ethanol anesthesia and H2O loading in Long Evans suppressed plasma vasopressin levels and was associated with an antidiuretic response to oxytocin. Vasopressin administration in the Brattleboro rat reversed the oxytocin-induced antidiuresis normally observed in vasopressin deficiency. Oxytocin apparently acts as a weak agonist at the renal vasopressin receptor. When plasma vasopressin is suppressed or absent oxytocin acts as a weak antidiuretic agent, but in the presence of higher vasopressin levels a diuretic response to oxytocin is seen which follows displacement of vasopressin, the more potent antidiuretic agent, from the renal receptor.

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