Alterations in renal function in experimental congestive heart failure.

The delicate interplay between vasoconstrictors and vasodilators preserves glomerular filtration in CHF despite marked hypoperfusion. Activation of vasoconstrictive systems seems to depend on the severity and the chronicity of the disease. The importance of renin-angiotensin, sympathetic nerves, vasopressin and counterregulatory ANP, and prostaglandins in CHF has been elucidated. Possible roles of newly identified substances, such as endothelin and EDRF, deserve investigation.