Atrial natriuretic factor inhibits norepinephrine release evoked by sympathetic nerve stimulation in isolated...

The effect of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) on [3H]norepinephrine release evoked by sympathetic nerve stimulation was examined in the isolated perfused rat mesenteric arteries. ANF (1 nM to 0.1 microM) caused a dose-dependent inhibition of [3H]norepinephrine release during nerve stimulation. The present result indicates that ANF inhibits noradrenergic neurotransmission in the rat mesenteric arteries through a prejunctional mechanism. This prejunctional effect of ANF may in part contribute to its vasodilation action.