Hypothalamic implantation of ouabain and electrolyte excretion: evidence for central effect on sodium balance

Sodium excretion in the urine was markedly increased following implantation of ouabain in the lateral hypothalamus. A small but significant increase in sodium excretion was also produced by ouabain implantation in the medial hypothalamus. Potassium excretion in the urine was not significantly affected by ouabain implantation. Following bilateral adrenalectomy ouabain implantation in the hypothalamus did not affect sodium excretion or the ratio potassium/sodium. The possibility of suppression of mineralocorticoid secretion by ouabain implantation in the hypothalamus is discussed.