The effects of lesions of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis on sodium appetite

Abstract

Lesions of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis result in decrements in sodium ingestion. Specifically, sodium ingestion that is aroused by mineralocorticoids, in addition to sodium depletion, was reduced in rats with large lesions of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Need-free salt ingestion was also reduced. These results suggest that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis may be involved in the regulation of sodium appetite.