Atrial natriuretic factor increases in response to an acute glucose load.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of an acute glucose load on circulating atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) levels.

METHODS

We investigated plasma ANF, glucose and insulin levels before and after intravenous administration of 50% D-glucose (300 mg/kg body weight) in healthy, normal volunteers.

RESULTS

In study group A (n = 30) plasma ANF was found to be increased significantly 30 min after the glucose load. In study group B (n = 55) the response of plasma ANF over time was assessed. A peak plasma ANF response was observed 10 min after intravenous glucose loading; thereafter, plasma ANF levels returned gradually to basal levels at 50 min after glucose injection. The latter produced in both study groups a similar acute hyperglycaemia, and in group B the expected concomitant hyperinsulinaemia.

CONCLUSION

These observations demonstrate that, in normal humans, acute marked hyperglycaemia is accompanied by a rapid increase in circulating ANF levels. In this metabolic interaction, ANF might counteract the renal sodium-retaining effect of acute hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia.