Response of atrial natriuretic peptide to adrenaline and noradrenaline infusion in man.

1. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels were significantly increased during both adrenaline and noradrenaline infusions, in the physiological range, in normal subjects and in patients with essential hypertension. 2. During adrenaline infusion significant increases in both circulating adrenaline and noradrenaline levels were observed. Mean arterial pressure was unaltered. Changes in heart rate were not significant. 3. During noradrenaline infusion, significant increases in circulating noradrenaline and mean arterial pressure were also observed. Heart rate and plasma adrenaline levels were unaltered. 4. Fluctuations in sympathetic nervous system activity may be involved in the regulation of ANP via adrenoceptor stimulated release of ANP. Other known regulators such as atrial stretch and increasing heart rate may modify this response.