Early (1 to 24h) plasma atrial natriuretic factor changes in the rat during antiorthostatic hypokinetic suspension

Antiorthostatic hypokinetic suspension (AOH) in rat is currently used as an animal model for simulating weightlessness. This maneuver is responsible for a diuresis, a natriuresis and an increase in central venous pressure (CVP). Knowing the role of CVP in atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) secretion, the aim of the study was to examine the early plasma ANF changes during AOH (angle 30-35 degrees) using Morey's model (tail suspension). The rats were divided into 4 groups: 24 population cage (PC), 24 isolated in separate cages (I), 24 were attached by the tail (Morey's model) and remained in the horizontal position (attached horizontal: AH). At the end of this period of 7 d, 12 AH were suspended for 1, 2, 6 and 24 h (AOH) and sacrificed with the controls for plasma ANF determination. Our results show that the level of ANF is significantly (p less than .05) higher in AOH rats after 2 h of suspension (16.6 +/- 2 pg/ml vs 10.9 +/- 1.5). A significant increase is also observed between AOH and AH after 2h of suspension (p less than 0.05). Six hours after suspension ANF presents a sharp decline in AOH and no difference is observed between AOH and AH and I. Morey's tail suspension model seems to be valid for the study of the early hormonal effects of simulated weightlessness for ANF.