Chapter 3 Neuroendocrinology of Hydromineral Homeostasis

Increased plasma osmolality is one of the most common disturbances of fluid osmolality, for which there are two major causes. A decrease in body water content could be induced by water deprivation or by insensible losses, such as after excessive perspiration and evaporation through the skin or the respiratory system, or after intense diarrhea and vomiting. On the other hand, an increase in plasma concentrations of solutes can occur after excessive sodium ingestion. Accordingly, the excessive intake of sodium in the diet is one of the emerging health problems in modern society, and this ingestive behavior may be associated with the development of several chronic debilitating diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension.