Atrial natriuretic peptide, arginine vasopressin, and the renin-angiotensin system in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatitis in rats.

The concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), arginine vasopressin (AVP) and hormones of the renin-angiotensin axis were studied in male rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatitis and the results compared to normal control animals. The rats with hepatitis exhibited lower concentrations of ANP, plasma renin activity (PRA), and angiotensin I (AI) than did the control animals. Plasma concentrations of AVP and aldosterone were not significantly different in the two groups. The results suggest that experimental hepatitis is associated with renal hyperperfusion together with reduction in atrial pressures.