[Atrial natriuretic peptide. New aspects in the regulation of blood volume and electrolyte homeostasis].

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a newly discovered hormone released from cardiac atrial myocytes into the circulation. Secretion of the hormone is triggered by atrial distension and volume overload. ANP consist of 28 aminoacids. The hormone induces natriuresis, diuresis and increases glomerular filtration rate. Moreover, it dilates vascular smooth muscle and opposes the effects of several vasoactive hormones. Thus ANP plays an important role in the regulation of body fluids and electrolyte homeostasis.