Failure of left atrial distension to alter renal function in the nonhuman primate.

Experiments were undertaken to determine the influence of increasing left atrial pressure on renal function in the nonhuman primate. Significant elevations of left atrial pressure, produced by using an intra-atrial balloon, had no effect on salt or water excretion, renal plasma flow, or glomerular filtration rate. There were no significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure. We conclude that, unlike those in the dog, atrial receptors in the nonhuman primate play little or no role in modulating salt and water excretion.