Reflex activation of sympathetic nervous system by ANF in humans

Recent studies in experimental animal preparations suggest that ANF might alter sympathetic nervous system function. In the present investigation, direct recordings of postganglionic muscle sympathetic nerve activity were obtained from the peroneal nerve of conscious human volunteers. These data and hemodynamic parameters were recorded before and during infusions of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF, 99-126) or placebo (isotonic saline) in 10 subjects. Base-line ANF (36.5 +/- 3.8) increased to 329 +/- 22 pg/ml during 20-min infusions of ANF (15 ng.kg-1.min-1). This did not alter heart rate or blood pressure but reduced central venous pressure (CVP) by 47 +/- 10% (P less than 0.01). Base-line-integrated sympathetic activity (14.4 +/- 2.4 bursts/min) increased 30 +/- 12% during ANF infusion (P less than 0.05). However, when CVP was fixed at control levels with head-down tilt or lower body positive pressure, sympathetic activity was unchanged from pre-ANF base-line levels. These data indicate that exogenous infusions of ANF reduced CVP and unloaded cardiopulmonary baroreceptors. This elicits reflex increases of muscle sympathetic efferent activity. When CVP is maintained at control levels, ANF does not alter sympathetic neural outflow to muscles.