Sodium appetite elicited by subcutaneous formalin: Mechanism of action.

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Abstract
The mechanism by which subcutaneous formalin injection elicits Na appetite was studied. It had previously been suggested that, since exogenous mineralocorticoids produce Na appetite, the formalin effect may be due to increased mineralo-corticoid secretion resulting from the induced stress. The 1st experiment showed that subcutaneous formalin elicits Na appetite in adrenalectomized rats (given mineralocortlcoid replacement therapy to maintain normal Na retaining ability) as well as in intact rats, and that there is a concomitant increase in water intake. The 2nd experiment showed that the subcutaneous injection produced local edema formation thus removing both Na and water from the general circulation. It was concluded that subcutaneous formalin elicits Na appetite by causing Na deficiency.