Effect of atrial natriuretic factor on platelet function in whole blood ex-vivo in man

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) binding sites have been shown to be present on human platelet membranes. We investigated the effect of an infusion of ANF 5 pmol.kg-1.min-1 on platelet aggregation in whole blood ex-vivo in 8 normal volunteers. Spontaneous platelet aggregation, collagen (0.6-2 micrograms.m.-1)-induced or ADP (0.5-2.0 microM)-induced aggregation was not affected by ANF. Plasma aldosterone was however significantly attenuated by ANF. These results show that a pharmacological dose of ANF does not affect platelet aggregation in man. These results suggest that the high plasma levels of ANF normally achieved in chronic heart failure or acute myocardial infarction are unlikely to contribute to the platelet hyperractivity, often observed in these conditions.