[Atrial natriuretic factor. Role in the physiopathology of cardiac and renal diseases].

The atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a hormone whose effects and mode of secretion have been determined. But its exact role in the regulation of volemia in comparison with that of the renin-angiotensin system is still to be defined. Studies of human diseases associated with an increase of ANF plasma concentration may help reach this goal. The mechanisms resulting in elevated ANF plasma concentrations (increase of secretion, decrease of catabolism of the hormone) and the effects of these high levels of ANF on renal functions and circulation are analysed in chronic cardiac failure, mitral stenosis, pulmonary artery hypertension, acute tachycardias, chronic and acute renal failures and in the course of cardiac transplantation. The therapeutic usefulness of drugs inhibiting ANF catabolism (blockers of the clearance receptors for ANF and inhibitors of the enzymes degrading ANF) is also considered.