ATRIAL-NATRIURETIC-FACTOR - AN INTRODUCTION

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) belongs to a unique family of peptides that participate in salt and water homeostasis. The factor is believed to be one component of a separate salt-excreting pathway that influences salt and water homeostasis in both normal and diseased animals. Atrial natriuretic factor functions as a classic hormone and affects the renal, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems. The most striking and consistent renal effect of ANF is increased glomerular filtration rate. Cardiovascular effects include major alterations in systemic hemodynamics, which cause hypotension and changes in peripheral vascular resistance. In the central nervous system, it has been suggested that ANF exerts its physiologic response through inhibition of endogenous angiotensin II. In addition to the discussion of the physiologic effects, this article reviews the synthesis and secretion, pathologic significance, and therapeutic potential of ANF.