Neural mechanisms for the control of thirst and salt appetite in response to body fluid conditions and intake behavior
Terrestrial animals, including humans, seek out and consume adequate amounts of water and salt on a daily basis to maintain body fluid homeostasis. To initiate water and salt intake behaviors, the brain anticipates and senses fluid imbalances, i.e., changes in [Na+ ] and relevant circulating hormone...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-10-01
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| Series: | Neuroscience Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168010225001245 |
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| Summary: | Terrestrial animals, including humans, seek out and consume adequate amounts of water and salt on a daily basis to maintain body fluid homeostasis. To initiate water and salt intake behaviors, the brain anticipates and senses fluid imbalances, i.e., changes in [Na+ ] and relevant circulating hormones, including angiotensin II and aldosterone. Circumventricular organs, such as the organum vasculosum lamina terminalis and subfornical organ, continuously detect information about body fluids and convert it into neuronal signals that drive or quench thirst and salt appetite. On the other hand, signals for water and salt intake are detected in peripheral organs and sent back to the control center for the transient suppression of thirst and salt appetite through specific neural circuits. Some brain regions integrate this information to maintain the harmony of body fluid balance. This review discusses the neural mechanisms responsible for monitoring fluid imbalances, driving the motivation for thirst and salt appetite, and then quenching this motivation after the ingestion of water and salt. Based on our findings and those of other studies, the mechanisms by which the brain integrates multiple sources of information to flexibly control thirst and salt appetite are also highlighted. |
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| ISSN: | 0168-0102 |