Mechanism of action of natriuretic fraction of urine.

The nature of calcium dependence of natriuretic fraction (NF)-induced contractions in the rat smooth muscle anococcygeus and a possible correlation between the effect of NF on sodium transport and its natriuretic potency was investigated. NF and noradrenaline-induced contractions were partially dependent on external calcium concentration. Ouabain and potassium (K) free solution (KoPSS)-induced contractions were totally dependent on external calcium and were more effectively inhibited by calcium antagonists than those of NF and noradrenaline suggesting pharmacomechanical coupling as the mode of calcium dependence of NF. Like other agonists which contract by pharmacomechanical coupling, NF stimulated sodium transport (86rubidium uptake) in dog saphenous vein. Such stimulation correlated positively (r = 0.495, n = 17, P less than 0.05) with the natriuretic potency of NF. NF, like noradrenaline, contracts smooth muscle by pharmacomechanical coupling and NF-induced natriuresis is associated with stimulation of the sodium pump.