[Atrial natriuretic factor in human and animal pathology].

The atria and blood plasma of man and many mammals have been discovered to contain a regulatory atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) that comprises peptides of several species ranging 2500 to 3500 daltons in molecular mass. ANF receptors in various tissues have been localized, and the major functions of the factor, viz., vasodilator (hypotensive), diuretic, and natriuretic, have been elucidated. This has led investigators to modify their views on the regulation of extracellular fluid dynamics. In light of the new knowledge on ANF functions, targeted histologic studies of the atria and their endocrine system in disease are now presenting heightened interest.