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Venous responsiveness to atrial natriuretic factor in man
G A Ford1, H G Eichler, B B Hoffman
1Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) showed minimal venorelaxation in human veins. This suggests ANF is unlikely to significantly relax blood vessels at normal physiological doses.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a hormone primarily involved in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.
- Its potential role in direct vascular smooth muscle relaxation (venorelaxation) in humans requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the venorelaxant effect of synthetic atrial natriuretic factor (met-ANF) in healthy human subjects.
- To determine if ANF has a significant impact on venous tone at physiological concentrations.
Main Methods:
- The dorsal hand vein technique was employed to assess venorelaxation.
- Met-ANF was infused into preconstricted dorsal hand veins in 11 healthy male volunteers.
- Infusions were administered at doses up to 240 ng/min.
Main Results:
- Infusion of met-ANF resulted in only minimal venorelaxation.
- The observed venorelaxant effect was not dose-dependent within the tested range.
- No significant reduction in venous tone was detected.
Conclusions:
- Atrial natriuretic factor is unlikely to exert a significant venorelaxant effect in humans at physiological doses.
- The direct vascular effects of ANF on human veins appear limited under the studied conditions.