[A new approach to the problem of cardio-vascular regulation: the endocrine function of the heart (review of the literature)].

Besides generally known functions, the heart has also an endocrine function. Atrial cardiocytes, being typical secretory cells, released peptide hormones into the blood stream: atrial natriuretic peptide containing 28 amino acids and cardiodiolatin. The structure of atrial peptides was determined. It was shown that both derived from their common precursor, a protein containing 151 amino acid. The presence of specific receptors was demonstrated on plasmatic membranes of cells of kidney epithelium, arterial smooth muscle, arterial endothelium, kidney cortex and hypophysis. The interaction of atrial peptides with these receptors activated the guanylate cyclase system. The biological action of atrial peptides manifested itself in the quick, massive and instantaneous increase of diuresis and electrolyte excretion, elevation of clearance of creatinine, decrease of kidney vascular resistance, intensification of glomerular filtration, inhibition of stimulated secretion of aldosterone, relaxation of blood vessels, elimination of arterial and intestinal spasm induced by various endogenous and exogenous vasoconstrictors and correction of kidney hypertension. Various radioimmunoassays for detection of atrial peptides in human blood plasma were developed; it was shown that in patients with congestive failure the atrial peptide content was increased.