Abstract
It is now recognised after many years of speculation regarding the role of mammalian atria in the direct regulation of intravascular volume, that atrial myocites produce a peptide hormone that results in natriuresis and diuresis, under the condition of atrial distention. This atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is secreted in normal subjects and is increased in patients with congestive heart failure. Atrial natriuretic factor may be administered exogenously and the results of studies performed by our group indicate that natriuresis and diuresis are induced in normal subjects but not in patients with congestive heart failure. These findings, when taken together, suggest that ANF is increased in heart failure patients in response to the atrial distention associated with ventricular dysfunction and intrinsic renal insufficiency. The mechanism for the blunted renal response to atrial natriuretic factor in heart failure patients requires further clarification.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 29-33 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | European Heart Journal |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue number | SUPPL. H |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1988 |
| Externally published | Yes |