Rebound increase in plasma renin and vasopressin following graded infusions of atrial natriuretic peptide in man

The effects of graded infusions of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on hemodynamics, renal function, plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) were investigated in a two part study in 6 volunteers. Three 30-min iv infusions of either saline control or ANP at graded rates of 4, 10 and 40 pmol kg-1 min-1 were given. ANP infusions were associated with a significant increase in sodium clearance from 1.08 +/- 0.21 to 2.83 +/- 0.50 ml/min, an increase in hematocrit and a net fluid loss. Plasma AVP remained constant during ANP infusions but increased significantly afterwards when plasma ANP concentrations were falling rapidly, and this was accompanied by marked antidiuresis. PRA fell by 23% during the saline control infusions and by 50% during ANP infusions. Following cessation of ANP infusions there was a significant rebound increase in PRA. No changes were observed in blood pressure, heart rate, glomerular filtration rate or renal plasma flow. These results suggest an interaction in man between ANP and the hormones renin and AVP.