1985 Armstrong lecture. Cardiovascular receptors and fluid volume control

Experiments with negative pressure breathing led Gauer and Henry to the discovery of left atrial receptors that affected the release of ADH and the concept of a cardiovascular basis for fluid volume control. Since then, neural mechanisms involving cardiac receptors controlling the release of renin have been described, thus giving strong support for the role of cardiac receptors in fluid volume control. The original experimental work in the dog has been confirmed. The available pool of patients that have undergone heart transplant operations provide the opportunity for more definitive studies on the role of cardiac receptors in the control of cardiovascular function.