The subfornical organ is the primary locus of sodium-level sensing by Na(x) sodium channels for the control of salt-intake behavior.

ABSTRACT: Dehydration causes an increase in the sodium (Na) concentration and osmolarity of body fluid. For Na homeostasis of the body, controls of Na and water intake and excretion are of prime importance. However, the system for sensing the Na level within the brain that is responsible for the control of Na- and water-intake behavior remains to be elucidated. We reported previously that the Na(x) channel is preferentially expressed in the circumventricular organs (CVOs) in the brain and that Na(x) knock-out mice ingest saline in excess under dehydrated conditions. Subsequently, we demonstrated that Na(x) is a Na-level-sensitive Na channel. Here we show that the subfornical organ (SFO) is the principal site for the control of salt-intake behavior, where the Na(x) channel is the Na-level sensor. Inf

SUBMITTER: Hiyama TY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6730094 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature