Renal Effects of Human α-Atrial Natriuretic Polypeptide

Abstract

To the Editor: Human α-atrial natriuretic polypeptide (α-hANP) is a potent vasoactive and natriuretic peptide that was recently identified in human atrial extract.¹ Although α-hANP is involved in fluid and electrolyte balance in dogs and rats,^{2 , 3} its action in human beings has not been well defined. After we confirmed that no acute or chronic toxic changes were observed in rats or mice, we investigated the effects of α-hANP on renal function in healthy human subjects.To obtain adequate urine flow, physiologic saline was continuously infused at a rate of 0.2 ml per kilogram of body weight per minute into three . . .