Biomedical subjects

R H Freeman

Publications and source records attributed to R H Freeman.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1991

ANF and the renin-angiotensin system in the regulation of sodium balance: longitudinal studies in experimental heart failure.

Over the last three decades the role of the renin-aldosterone axis for the renal conservation of sodium has become well established. In the last several years information has accumulated to indicate that ANF is an important complementary hormonal system involved in the elimination of sodium surfeit. Evidence has been presented to suggest that ANF and the renin-aldosterone axis function in an integrated manner for the regulation of sodium balance, with their primary actions exerted in the postprandial and postabsorptive phases, respectively. It is interesting that this hormonal integration continues to be operational during the compensated stage of experimental heart failure but at the expense of a higher level of activity of the ANF system. The significance of ANF as a compensatory mechanism in chronic heart failure remains to be fully elucidated, although the available longitudinal data in experimental animal models suggest that the role of ANF in the maintenance of sodium balance should be most apparent during the early and mild stages of heart failure, before a marked reduction in cardiac performance leads to an excessive activation of the renin-aldosterone axis that in turn can effectively override the natriuretic actions of ANF.

Aldosterone↗

PubMed1990

Autoradiographic demonstration of specific binding sites for E. coli enterotoxin in various epithelia of the North American opossum.

In the North American opossum, heat-stable specific binding sites for E. coli enterotoxin are observed (i) in epithelial cells lining the small intestine, colon, gall bladder, cystic duct, common bile duct and trachea, and (ii) in epithelial cells forming the duodenal (Brunner's) glands, liver, kidneys (metanephros, mesonephros) and testis, as demonstrated by autoradiography. Enterotoxin-specific binding sites in the intestinal tract are only found in intestinal epithelial cells with the highest concentration in the microvillus border. Enterotoxin-specific binding sites also occur in epithelial cells comprising the secretory tubules and ducts of the duodenal glands. In the kidneys (metanephros and mesonephros), enterotoxin-specific binding sites are confirmed primarily to the proximal tubules, whereas in the testis they are localized in seminiferous tubules. In the liver, enterotoxin-specific binding sites are confined primarily to hepatocytes. E. coli enterotoxin caused a 7-fold increase of cGMP in the liver and a 30-fold increase in the duodenal glands. The liver responded in about half of the animals studied, whereas the duodenal glands gave a consistent response in each case. Likewise, the duodenal glands consistently showed strong labelling for 125I-enterotoxin, whereas receptor labelling of hepatocytes was inconsistent in nearly half the incubations and corresponds to the observed cGMP measurements.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

The atrial natriuretic factor hormonal system in the regulation of sodium excretion in dogs with experimental heart failure.

In response to a meat meal containing 125 mEq of sodium, conscious dogs (n = 5) with an arteriovenous (AV) fistula and chronic compensated heart failure exhibited temporally related increases in postprandial plasma immunoreactive atrial natriuretic factor (iANF), right atrial pressure, and sodium excretion. In separate experiments, two weeks of dietary sodium restriction produced similar marked stimulation of renin and aldosterone both in normal dogs (n = 5), and in AV fistula dogs (n = 5) with chronic high circulating levels of ANF. Plasma iANF did not change (P greater than .05) in either group. These results suggest that the ANF system is involved in the postprandial regulation of sodium excretion in the AV fistula dogs with compensated heart failure. In the postabsorptive state, however, the activity of the renin-aldosterone axis is closely related to dietary sodium intake and appears to function independently of the ANF system for the prevention of sodium loss.

Aldosterone↗

PubMed1990

ANF and postprandial control of sodium excretion in dogs with compensated heart failure.

The changes in plasma immunoreactive atrial natriuretic factor (iANF) and urinary Na excretion that occur in response to an oral load of Na and to infusion of synthetic atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) were examined in conscious dogs with an arteriovenous (AV) fistula and chronic compensated high-output heart failure. After ingestion of a meal containing 125 meq Na, plasma iANF and right atrial pressure increased from high basal levels of 506 +/- 46 pg/ml and 96 +/- 5 mmH2O to peak responses of 728 +/- 43 pg/ml (P less than 0.05) and 104 +/- 6 mmH2O (P less than 0.05). These increases were associated with a brisk postprandial natriuresis and diuresis of a magnitude previously observed in normal dogs. Synthetic ANF infusions that achieved plasma iANF levels of similar and higher magnitude to those observed during the feeding experiments did not produce a significant natriuresis in these AV fistula dogs. In separate series of experiments, chronic effects of normal and low-Na diets on daily Na excretion and postabsorptive plasma iANF, renin, and aldosterone were studied in normal and AV fistula dogs. During the normal Na diet of 40 meq/day, both groups had normal levels of renin and aldosterone, but Na balance was achieved in AV fistula animals in the presence of a fourfold elevation in plasma iANF compared with normal dogs (P less than 0.05). During 2 wk of Na restriction, cumulative negative Na balance and marked stimulation of renin and aldosterone were similar in normal and AV fistula animals, but plasma iANF did not change significantly in either group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Absorption↗

PubMed1989

DOCA administration and atrial natriuretic factor in dogs with chronic heart failure.

The chronic reserve for the secretion of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) was studied in conscious dogs with an arteriovenous (a-v) fistula, a model of high-output heart failure. After the first 7 days of marked sodium retention after creation of the a-v fistula, the animals regained sodium balance for the subsequent 3 wk. This compensatory natriuresis occurred in the presence of significant increases in right atrial pressure and was associated with marked and sustained elevations in plasma ANF and with the return of plasma renin and aldosterone to base-line values. The cardiac reserve for ANF secretion was further evaluated in these dogs with compensated high-output heart failure during additional progressive elevations in cardiac filling pressures induced by 3 wk of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) administration. During the DOCA regimen, plasma ANF increased an additional twofold from its high base line. Arterial blood pressure increased by 6-12 mmHg, and plasma renin activity was suppressed. However, the animals consistently retained sodium, and the high plasma levels of ANF were unable to counterbalance the sodium-retaining actions of DOCA. After termination of DOCA, the dogs exhibited a marked natriuresis, and all the hemodynamic and hormonal parameters returned to pre-DOCA control levels. This longitudinal study demonstrates that the cardiac reserve for chronic ANF secretion is well maintained in dogs with an a-v fistula during progressive cardiac volume overload. The present results suggest that the ANF endocrine system may represent one chronic compensatory mechanism to achieve sodium balance in heart failure when there is concomitant normalization of the renin-aldosterone system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aldosterone↗

PubMed1989

Aldosterone and renin inhibition by atrial natriuretic factor in potassium-loaded rats.

This study was designed to determine the effects of synthetic rat atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) on plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone secretion in separate groups of normal and potassium-loaded anesthetized rats. Control rats were fed a normal diet of sodium and potassium and had base-line levels of PRA and aldosterone secretion of 25 +/- 3 ng angiotensin I (ANG I).ml-1.h-1 and 0.56 +/- 0.09 ng/min, respectively. Chronic oral potassium loading for 10 days elevated the plasma potassium concentration, stimulated aldosterone secretion to 1.80 +/- 0.18 ng/min (P less than 0.05), and attenuated PRA to 13 +/- 2 ng ANG I.ml-1.h-1 (P less than 0.05). Infusion of ANF at 45 ng.kg-1.min-1 in potassium-loaded rats lowered aldosterone secretion to 1.32 +/- 0.21 ng/min (P less than 0.05) but did not significantly reduce PRA (11 +/- 2 ng ANG I.ml-1.h-1 (P greater than 0.05). A higher ANF infusion dose of 100 ng.kg-1.min-1 produced a further decrement in aldosterone secretion to 1.15 +/- 0.26 ng/min (P less than 0.05) and also reduced PRA to 3 +/- 1 ng ANG I.ml-1.h-1 (P less than 0.05). In the control rats, aldosterone secretion and PRA were decreased significantly during infusion with both low and high ANF doses. Base-line arterial pressures among experimental groups were not different (P greater than 0.05) and did not change during infusion of ANF in any group. These results indicate that ANF can inhibit chronic potassium-stimulated aldosterone secretion in the rat independently of its inhibitory actions on renin release.

Adrenal Glands↗

PubMed1989

Escherichia coli enterotoxin receptors: localization in opossum kidney, intestine, and testis.

The distribution of receptors for Escherichia coli enterotoxin were examined in opossum kidney, intestine, and testis. E. coli enterotoxin stimulated guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) production in renal cortex, testis, and small intestinal mucosa but had only a small effect in the colon. Atrial natriuretic factor enhanced the cGMP content of renal cortex and small intestine but had no effect on testis or colon. The enterotoxin receptors were observed to be localized in proximal tubules, to epithelial cells of crypts and villi of small intestine, to crypts of colon, and in seminiferous tubules. Both convoluted and straight portions of proximal tubules exhibited specific binding sites for 125I-labeled enterotoxin. Glomeruli and distal tubules did not have receptors. Binding of 125I-enterotoxin to brush-border membranes of kidney cortex or intestinal mucosa and to testis membranes was markedly temperature dependent. The binding affinities of these receptors for E. coli enterotoxin were similar (i.e., IC50 approximately equal to 0.4-0.5 nM). Daily administration of 20 micrograms of enterotoxin intramuscularly to opossums increased urine cGMP excretion with no apparent changes in urine volume, Na+, or K+ excretion. Thus receptors for heat-stable enterotoxins are localized to proximal tubules of kidney and to enterocytes and seminiferous tubules of intestine and testis, respectively. Apical membranes may be the site of enterotoxin receptors in these epithelia.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Aldosterone and renin inhibition by physiological levels of atrial natriuretic factor.

This study was designed to examine, in the rat, the inhibition of renin release and aldosterone secretion by physiological plasma levels of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). Intravascular volume expansion over 30 min with donor blood equal to 3% body weight increased plasma ANF concentration from a base line of 216 +/- 28 to 1,590 +/- 240 pg/ml (P less than 0.001) in sodium-replete rats. Basal plasma ANF levels were decreased to 125 +/- 9 pg/ml in animals fed a low-sodium diet, and the infusion of synthetic ANF into separate groups of these rats at doses of 15 or 45 ng.kg-1.min-1 elevated plasma ANF to 346 +/- 38 and 720 +/- 96 pg/ml, respectively (P less than 0.001 for both values). Infusion of ANF at 15 ng.kg-1.min-1 resulted in a significantly lower plasma renin activity [30 +/- 3 vs. 69 +/- 5 ng angiotensin I (ANG I).ml-1.h-1, P less than 0.05], but there was no difference in aldosterone secretion between control and infused groups (7.00 +/- 0.49 vs. 7.29 +/- 0.95 ng/min, P greater than 0.05). However, the higher ANF dose of 45 ng.kg-1.min-1 did reduce aldosterone secretion approximately 40% to 4.18 +/- 0.36 ng/min (P less than 0.001) with no further suppression in plasma renin activity. In sodium-replete rats, infusion of ANF at 45 ng.kg-1.min-1 resulted in lower plasma renin activity compared with the control noninfused group (14 +/- 4 vs. 22 +/- 2 ng ANG I.ml-1.h-1, P less than 0.05), but aldosterone secretion was not different (P greater than 0.05) between the two groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aldosterone↗

PubMed1988

Receptors and cGMP signalling mechanism for E. coli enterotoxin in opossum kidney.

Receptors for the heat-stable enterotoxin produced by Escherichia coli were found in the kidney and intestine of the North American opossum and in cultured renal cell lines. The enterotoxin markedly increased guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) production in slices of kidney cortex and medulla, in suspensions of intestinal mucosa, and in the opossum kidney (OK) and rat kangaroo kidney (PtK-2) cell lines. In contrast, atrial natriuretic factor elicited much smaller increases in cGMP levels of kidney, intestine, or cultured kidney cell lines. The enterotoxin receptors in OK cells had a molecular mass of approximately 120 kDa when measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of receptors crosslinked with 125I-enterotoxin. The occurrence of receptors for the E. coli peptide in OK implies that these receptors may be involved in the regulation of renal tubular function in the opossum. E. coli enterotoxin caused a much larger increase in urine cGMP excretion (10- to 50-fold over control) than did atrial natriuretic factor when these peptides were injected intravenously into opossums. However, atrial natriuretic factor elicited a marked diuresis, natriuresis, and increased urinary excretion of calcium, phosphate, potassium, and magnesium. In contrast, the enterotoxin did not acutely influence OK fluid and electrolyte excretion. Thus the substantial increase in cGMP synthesis produced by the bacterial peptide in OK cortex and medulla in vitro and the increased renal excretion of cGMP in vivo were not associated with changes in electrolyte or water excretion. Whether cGMP represents a second messenger molecule in the kidney is an interesting question that was raised but not answered in this series of experiments.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide on renal blood flow in the rat.

The effects of alpha-rat calcitonin gene-related peptide (alpha-rCGRP) on systemic and renal hemodynamics and on renal electrolyte excretion were examined in normal anesthetized rats. In one group of rats (n = 7), infusions of alpha-rCGRP at doses of 10, 50, 100, and 500 ng/kg/min for 15 min each produced dose-related and significant decreases in mean arterial pressure from a control of 130 +/- 3 mm Hg to a maximal depressor response of 91 +/- 2 mm Hg. During the first three doses of alpha-rCGRP, renal blood flow progressively and significantly increased from a control of 5.0 +/- 0.3 ml/min to a peak level of 6.3 +/- 0.3 ml/min achieved during the 100 ng/kg/min infusion. With the highest infusion rate of 500 ng/kg/min, renal blood flow fell below the control level to 4.5 +/- 0.2 ml/min (P less than 0.05). The responses in renal blood flow and mean arterial pressure were associated with reductions in renal vascular resistance. After cessation of alpha-rCGRP infusions, arterial pressure, renal blood flow, and renal vascular resistance gradually returned toward the baseline values. In another group of rats (n = 9), infusion of alpha-rCGRP for 30 min at 100 ng/kg/min produced a significant reduction in urinary sodium excretion from 0.28 +/- 0.06 to 0.14 +/- 0.5 muEq/min (P less than 0.05). Urine flow and urinary potassium excretion also appeared to decrease, but the changes were not significantly different (P greater than 0.05) from their respective baselines. These results demonstrate that alpha-rCGRP is a potent and reversible hypotensive and renal vasodilatory agent in the anesthetized rat. The data also suggest that alpha-rCGRP may have significant effects on the excretory function of the kidney.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Atrial natriuretic factor secretion in dogs with experimental high-output heart failure.

The temporal changes in the plasma concentration of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic factor (iANF) were studied in six conscious dogs with an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, a model of chronic high-output heart failure. Following the creation of the AV fistula, the dogs retained sodium avidly for 5 days, and plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone concentration, and right atrial pressure increased significantly from controls. During this initial stage, iANF increased only modestly. From day 6 to 14, the dogs increased their daily sodium excretion and approached sodium balance. This natriuretic response was associated with a significant rise in iANF, with the return of renin and aldosterone levels to base line, and with a progressive significant elevation in right atrial pressure. Thus, in dogs with an AV fistula and cardiac volume overload, chronic increases in atrial pressure appear to be a sustained stimulus for the release of ANF. It is suggested that following the initial period of sodium retention in this experimental mental model of heart failure, chronic endocrine adjustments for the reestablishment of sodium balance involve an increase in ANF which subsequently can exert a tonic inhibitory action on the renin-aldosterone axis. It is concluded that the ANF endocrine system might function as an effective chronic compensatory mechanism to help promote sodium and water excretion in dogs with an AV fistula through the suppression of the renin-aldosterone system and possibly through its direct renal actions.

Aldosterone↗

PubMed1987

Atrial natriuretic factor in dogs with one-kidney, one-clip Goldblatt hypertension.

The temporal changes in the plasma concentration of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) were studied in dogs (n = 5) before and after renal artery constriction to produce one-kidney, one-clip renovascular hypertension. Three days after renal artery constriction, circulating ANF increased from 34 +/- 7 to 344 +/- 129 pg/ml (P less than 0.05) in association with a 38-mmHg elevation of mean arterial pressure and increases in plasma renin and aldosterone levels. Plasma renin and aldosterone remained elevated for 9 days after renal artery constriction. Arterial pressure stabilized at this elevated level of 35-40 mmHg above base line for the duration of the 4 wk after renal artery constriction. Right atrial filling pressure did not change significantly (P greater than 0.05) after constriction of the renal artery. This observation suggests that volume expansion with right atrial distention is not the only stimulus for release of ANF in these hypertensive dogs. Plasma ANF remained significantly elevated above base-line levels for 7 days postconstriction even though a twofold decrease from the maximal response of 344 +/- 129 pg/ml on day 3 to 168 +/- 48 pg/ml on day 7 was observed during this same time interval. Plasma ANF continued to decrease toward prehypertensive levels throughout the remainder of the established phase of the hypertension lasting an additional 21 days of observation. The mechanisms for this observed pattern of plasma ANF are unclear but may involve changes in left atrial distention and stretch as a stimulus for hormone secretion with progression of the hypertension.

Aldosterone↗

PubMed1987

Renal nerves and the pathogenesis of angiotensin-induced hypertension.

The present study examined the role of the renal nerves in the development of hypertension produced by chronic infusion of angiotensin II in the conscious rat. The animals were divided into four groups, and a unilateral nephrectomy was performed. The remaining kidney was denervated in two groups, whereas in the other two groups of animals the nerves were left intact. Four days later either angiotensin II (83 ng/min) or saline infusions were begun through subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps. The rats were subsequently studied for 14 days. The results indicate that renal denervation significantly attenuated the pressor response to angiotensin II for approximately 6 days. Following this period, there was no difference in blood pressure between the innervated and denervated rats infused with angiotensin II, as both groups attained a hypertensive level of 170 to 180 mm Hg, which was 60 to 70 mm Hg above the blood pressure of the control rats infused with saline. Kidney norepinephrine content was reduced 95% by the denervation procedure and by 40% following infusion of angiotensin II into rats with intact renal nerves. These data demonstrate that, while the renal nerves appear to play a modulatory role in the development of the hypertension, they are not essential for the pathogenesis to occur nor do they determine the final level of hypertension achieved following chronic infusion of angiotensin II in the rat.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1987

Increased capillary hydraulic conductivity induced by atrial natriuretic peptide.

The small molecular weight peptide, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), produces marked sodium and water excretion. The peptide, extracted from several species of vertebrate heart, also has been shown to increase glomerular filtration and reduce plasma volume. Several mechanisms have been proposed to account for the action of the peptide but remain undefined. In the present report, the ANP-induced alterations in transcapillary water movement were directly assessed. The modified Landis technique was used to measure single capillary hydraulic conductivity (Lp) of vessels from the frog mesenteric circulation. In 6 individual microvessels, Lp was measured under control conditions and again during perfusion with 10 X 10(-6) M ANP. The Lp increased in each vessel by a mean of 3.79-fold (+/- 2.09 SD). In 4 of these vessels, an additional measurement of Lp was repeated under control conditions; the capillary filtration coefficient returned to control levels. It was concluded that ANP directly and reversibly elevates capillary hydraulic conductivity; this response is independent of changes in capillary hydrostatic pressure or surface area.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Endogenous atrial natriuretic factor in dogs with caval constriction.

Chronic constriction of the thoracic inferior vena cava results in decreased filling pressure and cardiac output, in augmented secretion rates of renin and aldosterone, and in marked sodium retention with ascites and edema formation. The goal of the present study was to determine temporal changes in the plasma concentration of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic factor (iANF) in response to chronic constriction of the thoracic inferior vena cava in the conscious dog. Following constriction of the thoracic inferior vena cava, all dogs retained sodium avidly for at least 10 days, and both plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentration increased markedly (p less than 0.05). Additionally, the baseline plasma iANF of 70 +/- 5 pg/ml decreased significantly to 24 +/- 7, 26 +/- 10, and 34 +/- 11 pg/ml (p less than 0.05) on days 2, 6, and 10 following thoracic inferior vena cava constriction. Thus, chronic sodium retention in this model is associated with prolonged endocrine adjustments in the circulating levels of renin-aldosterone and iANF. We suggest that chronic decreases in the secretion of atrial natriuretic factor might contribute to the inability of the dog with constriction of the thoracic inferior vena cava to excrete sodium normally.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

Role of renal nerves in rats with low-sodium, one-kidney hypertension.

This study examined the role of the renal nerves in both the maintenance and developmental phases of hypertension produced by sodium restriction in one-kidney rats. Results indicate that mild hypertension is sustained through 6 wk after unilateral nephrectomy in rats fed a sodium-deficient diet, with the greatest increase in systolic blood pressure occurring within the first 2 wk. Six weeks after nephrectomy, renal denervation was performed in the sodium-restricted, hypertensive rats, and the blood pressure returned to normotensive levels. Plasma renin activity (PRA) was elevated fourfold after 6 wk of sodium restriction and was unchanged by renal denervation. In another series of experiments that examined the development of hypertension in this experimental model, contralateral renal denervation was performed at the time of nephrectomy, and this prevented the subsequent development of hypertension. PRA was significantly attenuated in these low-sodium, renal-denervated rats that failed to become hypertensive when compared with PRA in hypertensive low-sodium, sham-denervated rats. Kidney norepinephrine content was reduced by 96% after renal denervation in both phases of the hypertension. These data demonstrate that intact renal nerves are necessary for both the development and maintenance of mild hypertension after sodium restriction in one-kidney rats. The pressor contribution of the renal nerves to the hypertension in this experimental model appears to be related, at least in part, to the activation of the renin-angiotensin pressor mechanism.

Angiotensin I↗

PubMed1986

Effect of synthetic atrial natriuretic factor on aldosterone secretion in the rat.

Direct in vivo measurements of aldosterone secretion were made before and after infusion of synthetic rat atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) into anesthetized rats with markedly different levels of plasma renin activity. Infusion of ANF peptide at 350 ng . kg-1 . min-1 significantly decreased aldosterone secretion by 32% and plasma renin activity by 55% in rats that had been maintained on a normal-sodium diet. Similar reductions in aldosterone secretion and plasma renin activity were observed in hyperreninemic rats after chronic sodium restriction. Infusion of ANF at 350 ng . kg-1 . min-1 into anephric rats with low circulating levels of renin did not significantly decrease the secretion of aldosterone. Increasing the ANF peptide infusion dose fivefold in these anephric rats did result in a significant reduction in aldosterone secretion, but this higher dose also produced significant decreases in blood pressure not observed with the lower dose of ANF. These results demonstrate that infusion of synthetic ANF decreases the secretion rate of aldosterone in the rat, but the ability of ANF to decrease aldosterone secretion is attenuated when circulatory levels of renin and hence angiotensin II are very low. The data suggest that although ANF can exert a direct inhibitory effect on the adrenal glomerulosa in larger doses that also produce systemic cardiovascular effects, one physiological mechanism by which ANF suppresses aldosterone secretion may be related indirectly to the inhibition of renin release.

Aldosterone↗

PubMed1986

Control of atrial natriuretic factor release in conscious dogs.

The aim of this study was to examine the changes in the concentration of plasma immunoreactive atrial natriuretic factor (iANF) that occur in response to expansion or depletion of the extracellular fluid volume in conscious dogs. The plasma iANF concentration was also measured postprandially after the ingestion of a meal containing 125 meq of sodium. Postprandial plasma iANF increased 45% (P less than 0.05) above the base-line concentration, and this increase was accompanied by a brisk natriuresis. After a low-sodium meal, however, plasma iANF and sodium excretion failed to increase. The plasma iANF concentration increased from 57 +/- 5 to 139 +/- 36 pg/ml (P less than 0.05) immediately after volume expansion with intravenous isotonic saline infusion (2.5% body wt) administered over a 30-min period; plasma iANF remained elevated at 90 +/- 14 pg/ml (P less than 0.05) for an additional 30 min before returning toward preinfusion levels. Plasma iANF decreased 45% from 78 +/- 17 to 43 +/- 7 pg/ml (P less than 0.05) in response to the administration of ethacrynic acid (2.0 mg/kg, iv bolus) that produced an estimated 15% depletion of intravascular volume. In additional experiments the infusion of synthetic alpha-human ANF at 100 and 300 ng X kg-1 X min-1 increased (P less than 0.05) both the plasma iANF concentration and the urinary excretion of iANF. This study demonstrates that the secretion of ANF is consistently influenced by changes in the extracellular fluid volume. Furthermore, the results support the concept that ANF functions to increase postprandial sodium excretion following the ingestion of a high-sodium meal.

Animals↗