Changes in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide during exercise in healthy volunteers.

Graded exercise was performed in three healthy volunteers. Plasma levels of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide (iANP) were determined at different workloads. Unchanged or slightly decreased plasma levels of iANP were observed during light exercise, whereas at medium to high workloads a considerable increase in plasma levels of iANP was found. Factors responsible for the increase in plasma levels of iANP might include elevated right atrial pressure and increased plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.