Activation of μ-opioid receptors in the central nucleus of the amygdala induces hypertonic sodium intake

Opioid mechanisms are involved in the control of water and NaCl intake and opioid receptors (ORs) are present in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), a site of important facilitatory mechanisms related to the control of sodium appetite. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the effects of the activation of μ-ORs in the CeA on 0.3 M NaCl and water intake in rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats with stainless steel cannulas implanted bilaterally in the CeA were used. In rats submitted to water deprivation–partial rehydration, bilateral injections of the selective μ-OR agonist [D-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly5-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) in the doses of 1, 2, and 4 nmol into the CeA induced a dose-related increase of 0.3 M NaCl intake and water intake, and bilateral injections of the selective μ-OR antagonist D-Phe-Cys-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTAP) in the doses of 0.5, 1, and 2 nmol into the CeA produced a dose-related decrease of 0.3 M NaCl and water intake induced by DAMGO 2 nmol into the same site. In rats treated with the diuretic furosemide (10 mg/kg b.w.) combined with the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril (5 mg/kg b.w.) injected subcutaneously, bilateral injections of DAMGO 2 nmol into the CeA increased 0.3 M NaCl intake and water intake and the blockade of μ-ORs with CTAP 1 nmol injected into the CeA reduced the increase in 0.3 M NaCl intake and water intake induced by DAMGO 2 nmol into the same site. Bilateral injections of DAMGO into the CeA did not change urinary volume, sodium urinary excretion and mean arterial pressure, but increased activity. Thus stimulating μ-ORs in the CeA increases hypertonic sodium intake, whereas antagonizing these sites inhibits hypertonic sodium intake. Together, our results implicate μ-ORs in the CeA in a positive regulation of sodium intake.

► We investigated the roles of μ-opioid receptors in the rat CeA in sodium appetite.
► Intra-CeA DAMGO induced a dose-related increase of 0.3 M NaCl intake in WD–PR rats.
► Intra-CeA CTAP suppressed 0.3 M NaCl intake induced by intra-CeA DAMGO in WD–PR rats.
► Intra-CeA CTAP reduced 0.3 M NaCl intake induced by intra-CeA DAMGO in FURO/CAP rats.
► μ-Opioid receptors in the CeA are implicated in the positive regulation of sodium intake.