Role of atrial natriuretic factor in salt and water homeostasis.

Studies over the past 10 years suggest that the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) plays an important role in salt and water homeostasis. Responding to atrial stretch, the atria releases ANF into the circulation. The several actions of this hormone tend to increase renal NaCl excretion resulting in reduced blood volume and blood pressure. ANF increases the glomerular filtration rate and reduces sodium chloride reabsorption in the distal nephron. It also inhibits secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex. Therefore actions of ANF appear to be opposed to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Drugs that alter ANF metabolism may constitute a new mechanism of treatment for hypertension and heart failure.