Structure and biologic properties of the atrial natriuretic peptides

Since its discovery, ANF has provided multitudinous opportunities to explore its relationship to various biologic functions. Hundreds of publications investigating various aspects of this newly discovered hormone system have appeared. ANF exhibits a plethora of direct and indirect biologic activities that oppose the hypervolemic and hypernatremic effects exerted by the renin-aldosterone-angiotensin system. Additionally, ANF and ANF receptors are present in the central and peripheral nervous system, and ANF administered in the brain exerts striking effects relating to vasopressin and water consumption. It thus appears that ANF functions as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in consort with its direct peripheral actions. One may anticipate that continued research will uncover more interesting biology and elucidate the interplay between ANF and various control systems responsible for volume and electrolyte homeostasis.