Atrial natriuretic factor immunoreactivity in human fetal lung tissue and perfusates.

Immunoreactive atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) was detected in human fetal homogenates and perfusates using a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for the 28 amino acid (C-terminal) fragment. Three peaks of ANF immunoreactive material were found in the lung homogenates. With high performance liquid chromatography, the elution characteristics of the first immunoreactive peak were the same as those of circulating human ANF. The other two peaks have not been characterized, although one had a position similar to the 126 amino acid rat prohormone (Asn 1-Ile 110-Tyr 126). The time course of release of immunoreactive ANF by perfused human fetal lungs was also studied. It is suggested that ANF may play a role in early pulmonary function.