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Atrial natriuretic factor and transgenic mice
1Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis 46202-4800.
Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Lifelong elevated atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in transgenic mice causes chronic hypotension. These mice demonstrate compensation for renal effects but not hemodynamic effects, offering a model for long-term ANF studies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a peptide hormone known for short-term hypotensive and natriuretic effects.
- Its role in long-term cardiovascular regulation is unclear due to infusion model limitations and ANF's short in vivo half-life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term cardiovascular and renal effects of sustained elevated ANF levels.
- To develop a transgenic mouse model for studying lifelong ANF alterations.
Main Methods:
- Development of a transgenic mouse model with constitutively elevated plasma ANF levels.
- Measurement of arterial blood pressure in transgenic and nontransgenic sibling mice.
- Assessment of natriuretic and diuretic responses using metabolic cages.
Main Results:
- Transgenic mice exhibited chronic hypotension, with arterial pressures 20-30 mm Hg lower than controls.
- No significant natriuretic or diuretic phenotype was observed in transgenic animals.
- Mice compensated for renal effects but not the hemodynamic impact of ANF.
Conclusions:
- Lifelong elevated ANF leads to chronic hypotension in mice.
- Transgenic mice effectively compensate for ANF's renal actions but not its hemodynamic effects.
- This ANF transgenic model is valuable for studying long-term consequences of ANF dysregulation.