<FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (<FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>-MSH; 0.6 and 3 nmol) microinjected into the anteroventral region of the third ventricle (AV3V) induced a significant increase in diuresis without modifying natriuresis or kaliuresis. Intraperitoneal (ip) injection of <FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>-MSH (3 and 9.6 nmol) induced a significant increase in urinary sodium, potassium and water excretion. Intraperitoneal (3 and 4.8 nmol) or iv (3 and 9.6 nmol) administration of <FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>-MSH did not induce any significant changes in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), suggesting that the natriuresis, kaliuresis and diuresis induced by the systemic action of <FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>-MSH can be dissociated from the increase in plasma ANP. These preliminary results suggest that <FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>-MSH may be involved in a <FONT FACE="Symbol">g</font>-MSH-independent mechanism of regulation of hydromineral metabolism
<FONT FACE=Symbol> a</font>-MSH; AV3V; ANP; natriuresis; kaliuresis; diuresis
