Effects of atrial natriuretic peptide on isolated bovine mesenteric lymph vessels

The mode of action of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on bovine mesenteric lymphatics was investigated by recording isometric tensions in isolated cylindrical segments. ANP in concentrations from 5 to 30 ng/ml caused dose-related decreases in the rhythm and amplitude of spontaneous contractions. No tachyphylaxis was observed in the ANP-induced responses in lymph vessels. Addition of ANP in a low concentration ranging from 3 to 100 ng/ml produced a dose-dependent relaxation in the lymphatic preparations precontracted by 10(-7) M bradykinin. The ANP-induced relaxation was not modified by pretreatment with 5 x 10(-7) M propranolol, 5 x 10(-7) M atropine, 10(-6) M cimetidine, 5 x 10(-5) M aspirin, or 10(-5) M ouabain. The mechanical rubbing of endothelial cells in the lymph vessels caused no significant effect on the ANP-induced relaxation. The relaxation, however, was significantly reduced by pretreatment with 10(-5) M methylene blue. These results suggest that ANP in a low concentration seems to inhibit lymph transport through a reduction of spontaneous contractions and a marked relaxation of lymphatic smooth muscles in bovine mesenteric lymphatics and that ANP may produce the relaxation through synthesis of guanosine 3',5' cyclic monophosphate, independent of the lymphatic endothelium.