[Current knowledge on the atrial natriuretic factor].

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a polypeptidic hormone released by the atria in response to an increase in atrial stretch. Kidneys, vessels and adrenal are the major ANF target tissues. ANF inhibitory effect on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system potentiates its natriuretic and vasodilatory actions. By decreasing the venous return to the heart, ANF exerts an indirect negative feedback on its own synthesis. Since ANF discovery by De Bold in 1981, progress have been accomplished including the description of a family of natriuretic peptides derived from ANF and therapeutic trials of neutral endopeptidase inhibitors, a new pharmacologic class of diuretics.