EFFECT OF ATRIAL NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE ON COLLECTING DUCT FUNCTION EVALUATED BY STOP-FLOW IN RABBITS

1. The effect of a low dose of a synthetic atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), rat atriopeptin II (23 amino acids), on stop-flow sodium concentrations was examined in rabbits in water diuresis. 2. Atrial natriuretic peptide (2 micrograms/kg body weight) was injected intravenously as a bolus either before or after the commencement of stop-flow. 3. Atrial natriuretic peptide induced a significant natriuresis within 2 min of injection. This natriuresis was associated with smaller increases in urine volume and potassium excretion. Atrial natriuretic peptide did not alter blood pressure. 4. Atrial natriuretic peptide did not significantly alter stop-flow sodium concentrations. 5. These findings indicate that ANP does not directly alter sodium transport across medullary collecting ducts. 6. It is proposed that ANP acts via a mediator to alter sodium movement across terminal segments of the nephron.