The effects of centrally administered Angiotensin II (Ang II) on water and food intake in rodent models are well known. However, most studies have focused on the acute effects of intracranial Ang II. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of intracerebroventricular Ang II on food and water intake as well as locomotor activity over the entire dark phase of the murine diurnal cycle. Consistent with the previous reports, centrally administered Ang II rapidly stimulated water intake over the initial 1-hour period following treatment. However, this acute increase was immediately followed by a marked reduction in water intake resulting in decreased cumulative water intake approximately 7 h after Ang II treatment. Pretreating animals with an Ang II type 1 receptor blocker,Losartan, completely antagonized the acute effect of Ang II and abolished initial water intake. In contrast, application of an Ang II type 2 receptor blocker. PD123319, abrogated the prolonged inhibitory effect of Ang II on drinking behavior and partially suppressed the initial increases in water intake. The suppressive effects of Ang II on cumulative food intake and spontaneous physical activity were also evident throughout the entire dark phase of diurnal cycle. These experiments are the first to suggest that the stimulatory effect of central Ang II treatment on water consumption is very temporary and that it causes a sustained suppressive effect on voluntary locomotion and food intake behavior in mice. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.