Atrial natriuretic factor during fetal and postnatal life: a review

This review summarizes current understanding of the role of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) during fetal and postnatal life. The cardiac localization of ANF synthesis changes during development from ventricular to predominantly atrial cardiocytes. ANF is present as a circulating hormone during fetal life and fetal plasma ANF clearance rates and production rates are higher than in adults. ANF is a natriuretic hormone in fetal and newborn animals. However, unlike the adult, this natriuresis does not appear to be related to suppression of the renin-angiotensin system. During fetal life, ANF levels can be increased through both atrial distension and humoral influences. Hence, mechanisms of ANF release during development appear to be similar to those present at maturity.