# THIRST MECHANISMS IN AGING

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · 1993 · $123,231

## Abstract

The aim of this project is to provide an understanding of the mechanisms
underlying the phenomenon of inadequate thirst in elderly people, and
their resultant failure to fully correct states of dehydration.  First,
we will develop and characterize an animal model (rat) for aging deficits
in thirst and sodium appetite, using two strains of rats and both males
and females tested up to 20 months of age.  These rats will be tested on
a battery of tests of thirst and sodium appetite, using both natural and
pharmacological stimulants, designed to engage and thus to probe selected
know mechanisms of these behaviors.  In parallel with the behavioral
studies, the mechanism of the deficits will be examined, using
measurements of various plasma hormones and brain peptide receptors.  On
the basis of preliminary findings, we will particularly focus attention
on the responsiveness of components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone
system as a function of age.  Angiotensin will be administered both
centrally and peripherally in thirst studies, and receptors for
angiotensin will be measured in diencephalon and in the adrenal gland.
Studies of salt intake will employ both angiotensin and
mineralocorticoid-related stimuli of salt appetite.  Spontaneous
preference for NaCl will be determined.  The effect of age on the
temporal relationship of eating and drinking will be examined under both
baseline conditions and during a switch of hydrationally-demanding diet.
This will examine the flexibility of learned spontaneous drinking
patterns in aging.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3121982
- **Project number:** 5R01AG010014-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NNFQH1JAPEP3
- **Principal Investigator:** NEIL Edward ROWLAND
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $123,231
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1992-09-30 → 1995-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3121982

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3121982, THIRST MECHANISMS IN AGING (5R01AG010014-02). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3121982. Licensed CC0.

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