To assess the mechanisms how angiotensin II (Ang II) given intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) induces natriuresis, the effects of Ang II (10 ng/kg/min, for 30 min) on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, the release of vasopressin (AVP) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and on cardiovascular and renal functions were investigated in anesthetized dogs. In control dogs, vehicle alone (artificial cerebrospinal fluid) was infused at a rate of 10 microliters/min. Ang II given i.c.v. produced a gradual increase in urine flow, urinary sodium and potassium excretion and osmolar clearance, but had no effect on plasma ANP, aldosterone, arterial blood pressure, and renal blood flow. However, i.c.v. Ang II increased plasma AVP and decreased heart rate, plasma renin activity, inulin clearance and filtration fraction. In the cotrol group, vehicle treatment had no effect on these parameters except for decreases in inulin clearance and filtration fraction. These results suggest that circulating ANP and blood pressure may not play an important role in i.c.v. Ang II-induced natriuresis, but increased AVP release and decreased renal sympathetic nervous activity may contribute to the natriuresis.