Atrial Natriuretic Factor Messenger Research Articles

The antioxidant N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine attenuates left ventricular hypertrophy in in vivo murine pressure-overload model

ObjectivesIn order to identify the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiac hypertrophy, we examined the effect of N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine (MPG) on cardiac hypertrophy. BackgroundRecent in vitro studies have suggested that ROS play an important role as a second messenger in cardiac hypertrophy. It was therefore thought to be of particular value to examine the relevance of studies using in vitro models for cardiac hypertrophy in an in vivo setting. MethodsThe transverse thoracic aorta in mice was constricted, and MPG (100 mg/kg) was infused intraperitoneally twice daily. The animals were assessed seven days after the operation for hemodynamic functions, oxidative stress and antioxidative enzyme activities. ResultsBanding of the transverse aorta in mice resulted in an increase in the ratio of heart weight to tibia length and the appearance of an endogenous atrial natriuretic factor messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) seven days postoperatively. Administration of MPG significantly attenuated the hypertrophic responses induced by pressure overload. Cardiac hypertrophy was accompanied by increases in heme oxygenase-1 mRNA expression and lipid peroxidation, which was eliminated by the treatment with MPG. Pressure overload led to increases in antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, but not catalase, activity. ConclusionsOur results indicated that oxidative stress was increased in our model and that it plays an important role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy.

Pulmonary natriuretic peptide system during rat development.

Maturational changes in the rat lung natriuretic peptide system were studied postnatally in 1-, 4-, and 22-day-old rats. Lung atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) content increased significantly from day 1 to day 4 (712+/-188 vs. 1905+/-520 pg/mg protein; p<0.01) but decreased to 532+/-41 pg/mg protein, on day 22. These changes paralleled ANF messenger RNA (mRNA) detected by reverse transcribed polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Rat pulmonary development also was associated with quantitative and qualitative alterations in ANF receptors. Competitive-binding radioreceptor assays of lung membranes with 125I-ANF and increasing concentrations of unlabeled ANF revealed that the natriuretic peptide receptor-binding sites (Bmax) progressively increased with age from 112 +/-21 fmol/mg protein at day 1 to 211+/-16 (p<0.02) and 326+/-62 fmol/mg protein (p<0.04) in 4- and 22-day-old rats, respectively. Autoradiographic studies of 125I-tyr(0)CNP binding to lung sections revealed that the levels of the natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) were undetectable. On the other hand, binding of 125I-ANF increased with age, and the higher binding at 4 days was mainly due to increased density of the clearance receptor-C (NPR-C), and at 22 days due to increased natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A). The increase in natriuretic peptide binding was confirmed at the level of synthesis, where RT-PCR revealed that NPR-A mRNA significantly increased (p<0.01) in 22-day-old rats. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that the rat pulmonary natriuretic peptide system is altered during development. The altered synthesis of lung natriuretic peptides and their receptors may play a role in the postnatal adaptation of pulmonary circulation.

Regulation of aortic atrial natriuretic factor and angiotensinogen in experimental hypertension.

We investigated the relation between atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) gene expression and the status of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in aortic tissue in rats made hypertensive by either aortic banding or by deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt administration. These experimental models of hypertension are known to have differences in terms of the status of RAS. ANF messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were measured in aortic tissue by using a newly developed quantitative competitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (QC-RT-PCR) technique. Changes in the proportions of alpha1 and alpha2 isoforms of Na+K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) mRNA levels were used as indicators of aortic hypertrophy. Treatment with DOCA alone, salt alone, or DOCA-salt for 5 weeks increased aortic-weight/body-weight ratio and aortic angiotensinogen mRNA levels, but did not change alpha1 or alpha2 Na+K+-ATPase mRNA levels. Aortic ANF mRNA levels had a tendency to increase after treatment with DOCA, salt, or DOCA-salt, but this change did not reach statistical significance. Suprarenal aortic banding for 6 weeks or 12 weeks increased aortic-weight/body-weight ratio (12 weeks), decreased alpha2 Na+K+-ATPase and angiotensinogen mRNA levels, but did not affect alpha1 Na+K+-ATPase mRNA levels or ANF mRNA levels. Treatment with ramipril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor was carried out for 6 weeks just after aortic banding (prevention experiment) or after 6 weeks in rats that were banded for the previous 6 weeks (regression experiment). High-dose ramipril (1 mg/kg)--a treatment known to inhibit both tissue and circulating RAS--normalized aortic-weight/body-weight ratio, and also normalized alpha2 Na+K+-ATPase mRNA levels. Aortic angiotensinogen mRNA levels of banded rats treated with high-dose ramipril was higher than those of the normal control, sham operated, and banded rats. Treatment with high-dose ramipril did not affect alpha1 Na+K+-ATPase mRNA levels or ANF mRNA levels. Low-dose ramipril (10 microg/kg)--a treatment that selectively inhibits tissue RAS--normalized aortic-weight/body-weight ratio but did not normalize alpha2 Na+K+-ATPase mRNA levels (regression experiment) or angiotensinogen mRNA levels (prevention experiment) and did not change either alpha1 Na+K+-ATPase mRNA levels or ANF mRNA levels. The results suggest that, in contrast to previous findings in heart and kidney, the regulation of ANF mRNA levels in aortic tissue is largely independent of pressure load, volume load, and plasma or tissue RAS. It is suggested that any antihypertrophic actions of ANF may be mediated by the increased circulating ANF levels and its interaction with its receptor or through CNP.

Upregulated and downregulated transcription of myocardial genes after pulmonary artery banding in pigs

Background. Acute or chronic pressure overload may occur during or after cardiac surgical procedures. Typical examples are aortic cross-clamping and pulmonary artery banding. It is well known that mechanical stress induces transcription of different myocardial genes. However, these results were mainly obtained from in vitro studies and experiments with rodents. This experiment was carried out to investigate molecular alterations after pressure overload in porcine hearts. Methods. The study was performed with 35 Landrace pigs with a mean weight of 32 ± 1.2 kg. The five groups consisted of 7 pigs each, 3 sham-operated pigs and 4 banded pigs. The hearts were exised after different time intervals. We investigated messenger RNA expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum adenosine triphosphatase, phospholamban, α-/β-myosin heavy chain, and atrial natriuretic factor by Northern blot analysis. Results. The ratio of right ventricular weight to body weight increased significantly after 7 and 24 days in banded pigs ( p < 0.05). Atrial natriuretic factor messenger RNA was significantly upregulated in banded pigs versus sham-operated pigs after 1 day (240% ± 7% versus 100% ± 6%; p < 0.01) and 3 days (520% ± 8% versus 100% ± 8%; p < 0.01). There was insignificant downregulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum adenosine triphosphatase and phospholamban after 1, 3, and 7 days. Myosin heavy chain messenger RNA expression remained unchanged. Conclusions. Pulmonary artery banding results in hypertrophic response of the porcine right ventricle; however, the weight increase is not the result of myosin heavy chain messenger RNA upregulation. Atrial natriuretic factor messenger RNA is locally expressed in mechanically stressed myocytes. Furthermore, pressure overload downregulates transcription of calcium-binding proteins that can influence ventricular contractility. These results may have an impact on cardiac surgical procedures.

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and ANF receptor C gene expression and localization in the respiratory system: effects induced by hypoxia and hemodynamic overload.

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and ANF receptor C (ANF.RC) expression have been investigated in healthy and cardiomyopathic hamsters (CMPH) with widespread necrosis of the diaphragm and myocardium leading to respiratory and heart failure. ANF- and ANF.RC-producing cells were localized in different structures of the respiratory system, and the regulation of their expression by the individual and/or combined action of hypoxia and hemodynamic overload was analyzed. The study was performed in 20-, 90-, and 150-day-old animals using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, Northern blot, and RIA analyses. ANF was shown to be expressed in the tracheo-bronchial epithelium and muscle and, to a lesser extent, in the alveolar wall and muscular media of the pulmonary arteries and extraparenchymal pulmonary veins in both healthy hamsters and CMPH. In 150-day-old CMPH, hypoxia (PaO2 < 50 mm Hg) induced a 10-fold increase in ANF messenger RNA accumulation and a 6-fold increase in the immunoreactive ANF (IR-ANF) concentration in lungs, as quantitated by RIA. As plasma IR-ANF concentrations were elevated in all CMPH age groups, it was most likely produced by the myocardium. ANF.RC messenger RNA was homogeneously distributed throughout the entire respiratory system and was increased 2-fold in hypoxic 150-day-old CMPH only. These results suggest that ANF originating in the respiratory system exerts only paracrine effects on different structures of the respiratory system in addition to the action of circulating ANF. Hemodynamic overload (left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, 17.20 +/- 3.80 mm Hg) might contribute to enhanced ANF gene expression only in extraparenchymal pulmonary vein walls of 150-day-old CMPH. We also propose that ANF.RC overexpression might be a protective mechanism operated via either ANF clearance or inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity to counteract exaggerated smooth muscle relaxation.

Alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation of isolated rat atria results in discoordinate increases in natriuretic peptide secretion and gene expression and enhances Egr-1 and c-Myc expression.

We studied the effects of alpha1-adrenergic stimulation on atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) secretion and gene expression in isolated right atria. The early-response genes Egr-1 and c-myc were also studied as potential markers of transcriptional activation after alpha1-adrenergic stimulation. Isolated right atria from rats were stimulated for up to 8 h by the alpha1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine (PE). PE at 10, 50, or 100 microM stimulated the secretion of immunoreactive (ir) ANF, beginning at 0.5 h and peaking after 1.5 h, IrANF secretion remained significantly elevated for 8 h with 100 microM PE, reached control levels after 5 h with 10 microM PE, and after 6 h microM PE with 50 microM PE, PE at 50 or 100 microM stimulated irBNP secretion after 15 min, which peaked at 1 h, and thereafter remained above control levels. Calculation of irANF/irBNP ratios revealed that their stimulated secretion was not coregulated. PE caused significant changes in steady state transcript levels for the genes studied. After 6 h, 50 microM PE caused a 49% increase in ANF messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. BNP mRNA levels were increased by 135% after 6 h and by 77% after 8 h. Egr-1 mRNA levels were increased by 81% after 4 h, 167 after 6 h, and 40% after 8 h of treatment, mRNA levels of c-myc were increased by 49% after 4 h and 53% after 6 h. PE-induced increases in secretion and gene expression were inhibited by the alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonist prozosin (10 microM). We conclude that both ANF and BNP secretion from atria can be stimulated by PE, and that their secretion is not coregulated. The kinetics of enhanced natriuretic peptide gene expression and secretion did not change in parallel, suggesting that these processes are not acutely coordinated. The enhanced expression of Egr-1 and c-myc suggests that they may be involved in the modulation of atrial gene expression in response to alpha1-adrenergic stimulation. The results presented suggest that compensatory adrenergic activation such as those seen in several clinical entities may be one of the factors that provide long-term enhanced natriuretic peptide production, thus contributing to the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis.

Atrial natriuretic factor inhibits the phosphorylation of protein kinase C in plasma membrane preparations of cultured Leydig tumor cells.

The peptide hormone atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) exerts its effect in a receptor-mediated fashion and the membrane-bound form of guanylate cyclase represents a biologically active ANF receptor; thus, cGMP has been considered a second messenger of ANF. To understand the mechanisms of ANF action, we have studied its effect on protein phosphorylation in the plasma membrane preparations of murine Leydig tumor (MA-10) cells, which overexpress guanylate cyclase-coupled ANF receptor molecules in high density. After pretreatment of the plasma membranes with ANF (100 nM), a marked decrease in phosphorylation of the 78-kDa protein kinase C (PKC) and the 240-kDa protein was observed. Phosphorylation of the 78-kDa PKC was also inhibited by cGMP (0.1 mM); however, phosphorylation of the 240-kDa protein was not affected by cGMP. The quantitative analyses, as determined by densitometric scanning, revealed that both ANF and cGMP inhibited phosphorylation of the 78-kDa PKC by approximately 75% and 45%, respectively. The inhibitory effect of ANF on phosphorylation of the 240-kDa protein was almost 90%, but cGMP did not show any discernible effect on its phosphorylation in plasma membranes of MA-10 cells. Phosphorylation of the 78-kDa PKC was stimulated by Ca2+ and phospholipids, and it immunologically cross-reacted with antiserum against brain PKC. Furthermore, in these plasma membrane preparations, the 78-kDa PKC was immunoprecipitated and its phosphorylation was inhibited by ANF. These data provide evidence for a new signal transduction mechanism of ANF that negatively regulates phosphorylation of the 78-kDa PKC and the 240-kDa protein in a cGMP-dependent and -independent manner in Leydig cells.

Effects of atrial natriuretic factor on cyclic nucleotides in rabbit proximal tubule.

Atrial natriuretic factor induces renal sodium excretion by several mechanisms, including inhibition of angiotensin II-stimulated sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule. In most tissues, the action of atrial natriuretic factor involves generation of the intracellular second messenger, cyclic GMP, but in the proximal tubule the presence of this signal transduction pathway has remained controversial. We used intrarenal arterial infusion of iron oxide followed by enzymatic dispersion and magnetic separation to obtain suspensions of rabbit kidney cortex enriched with either glomeruli or proximal tubules. When suspensions enriched with proximal tubules or preparations of microdissected proximal tubules were incubated with atrial natriuretic factor (1 mumol/L), cyclic GMP concentrations increased significantly. Addition of angiotensin II (1 mumol/L) together with atrial natriuretic factor had no significant effect on the stimulation of cyclic GMP accumulation observed with atrial natriuretic factor alone. Neither atrial natriuretic factor nor angiotensin II altered intracellular concentrations of cyclic AMP in tubule-enriched suspensions or microdissected tubules. We conclude that cyclic GMP acts as a second messenger for atrial natriuretic factor in rabbit proximal tubule. However, we found no evidence to support the view that alterations in intracellular cyclic AMP levels are involved in the proximal tubular actions of angiotensin II and have not been able to demonstrate that interactions between cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP underlie the antagonistic effect of atrial natriuretic factor on angiotensin II-stimulated proximal sodium transport.

Developmental changes in atrial natriuretic factor content and localization of its messenger ribonucleic acid in ovine fetal heart

The current study investigated the developmental changes in atrial natriuretic factor peptide content and messenger ribonucleic acid localization in the atria and ventricles of the ovine fetus throughout the second half of gestation. Ovine fetuses from 67 to 146 days' gestation (term 147 days) and newborn lambs were used for the study. Tissue atrial natriuretic factor contents were determined by radioimmunoassay, and atrial natriuretic factor messenger ribonucleic acid distribution was determined by in situ hybridization. In fetal atria, atrial natriuretic factor peptide levels were much greater than those in the ventricles. The levels in the atria increased with advancing gestation from 70 to 140 days, reflecting an increase in weight of the atrial chambers. A similar trend was not observed in the ventricles. In the atria, atrial natriuretic factor peptide content (per unit protein) reached high levels at 100 to 110 days' gestation; this was associated with an increase in level of atrial natriuretic factor gene expression. In the ventricles, atrial natriuretic factor peptide content and gene expression were very low throughout the second half of gestation, except for a peak in content that occurred at 100 days. Atrial natriuretic factor messenger ribonucleic acid abundance was much greater in the atria than in the ventricles in fetuses from 90 to 130 days' gestation. The distribution of atrial natriuretic factor messenger ribonucleic acid was homogeneous throughout the thickness of the atria and ventricles of the fetal heart. During the second half of gestation in the ovine fetus, the expression of atrial natriuretic factor messenger ribonucleic acid in the atria and ventricles paralleled the appearance of the peptide.

Impaired Vasodilator Response to Atrial Natriuretic Factor in IDDM

Diabetes mellitus has been associated with both elevated plasma concentrations of the natriuretic and vasorelaxant hormone atrial natriuretic factor and with a reduced natriuretic response to this hormone. We now hypothesize that the vasodilator response to atrial natriuretic factor is attenuated in IDDM. Forearm vasodilator responses to the infusion of six increasing dosages of atrial natriuretic factor into the brachial artery were registered by venous occlusion strain gauge plethysmography in 10 patients with uncomplicated IDDM and in 10 age-, sex-, and weight-matched control subjects. Baseline levels of blood pressure, forearm blood flow, and plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic factor were not different between control subjects and patients with diabetes. In control subjects, atrial natriuretic factor induced a percentage fall in the forearm vascular resistance of -29 +/- 5% at the lowest to -72 +/- 4% at the highest infusion rate. In patients with diabetes this fall was significantly attenuated, measuring -2 +/- 7 and -45 +/- 4%, respectively, (P < 0.001 vs. control subjects). During infusion of atrial natriuretic factor into the brachial artery, the calculated regional production of cGMP (second messenger of atrial natriuretic factor) increased from 1.2 +/- 1.1 to 22.8 +/- 4.8 pmol.min-1 x 100 ml-1 in the control subjects, whereas hardly any change occurred in the patients with diabetes (from -2.1 +/- 1.2 to 2.9 +/- 4.7 pmol.min-1 x 100 ml-1). Furthermore, both control and diabetic subjects demonstrated an equal forearm vasodilator response to increasing infusion rates of the control vasodilator sodium nitroprusside. We conclude that uncomplicated IDDM is associated with a specific reduction in the vascular responsiveness to atrial natriuretic factor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Refractory ascites in cirrhosis: Roles of volume expansion and plasma atrial natriuretic factor level elevation

Cirrhotic patients with ascites refractory to diuretics also have blunted response to marked elevations of plasma atrial natriuretic factor levels alone or to moderate intravascular volume expansion by head-out water immersion. However, these patients usually undergo natriuresis after peritoneovenous shunting. To dissect the factors responsible for this response, we studied the effects on separate days of moderate intravascular volume expansion and highly elevated plasma atrial natriuretic factor levels (head-out water immersion and atrial natriuretic factor infusion) or marked volume expansion and moderate plasma atrial natriuretic factor level elevation (head-out water immersion and albumin infusion) in 13 alcoholic cirrhotic patients with massive ascites. Three of these patients, who responded to initial head-out water immersion with a negative sodium balance, served as controls. Unresponsiveness to head-out water immersion was confirmed in the remaining 10 patients on both days on the basis of blunted natriuretic response (urinary sodium excretion < 0.8 mmol/hr after 2 hr). In contrast, these 10 refractory patients were able to achieve negative sodium balance with both combinations. Mean urinary sodium excretion increased from a baseline level of 0.13 +/- 0.10 mmol/hr to a peak level of 2.29 +/- 0.61 mmol/hr after head-out water immersion and atrial natriuretic factor infusion and from 0.10 +/- 0.3 mmol/hr to 1.61 +/- 0.62 mmol/hr after head-out water immersion and albumin infusion. Both maneuvers were associated with suppression of plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone levels. With head-out water immersion and atrial natriuretic factor infusion, we noted a significant increase in 5' cyclic GMP levels, a second messenger of atrial natriuretic factor, indicating possible activation of atrial natriuretic factor receptors at the inner medullary collecting ducts. In contrast, with head-out water immersion and albumin infusion no such increase in levels occurred, indicating that the increase in urinary sodium excretion was mainly due to increased delivery of sodium to the cortical distal nephron, as indicated by a disproportionate increase in urinary potassium excretion. In conclusion, massive (as opposed to moderate) volume expansion or greatly elevated levels of plasma atrial natriuretic factor associated with moderate volume expansion can improve blunted atrial natriuretic factor responsiveness in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites. This appears to be achieved by way of a marked increase in distal delivery of filtrate in the kidney, with or without activation of distal atrial natriuretic factor receptors in the inner medullary collecting ducts.

Refractory ascites in cirrhosis: Roles of volume expansion and plasma atrial natriuretic factor level elevation

Cirrhotic patients with ascites refractory to diuretics also have blunted response to marked elevations of plasma atrial natriuretic factor levels alone or to moderate intravascular volume expansion by head-out water immersion. However, these patients usually undergo natriuresis after peritoneovenous shunting. To dissect the factors responsible for this response, we studied the effects on separate days of moderate intravascular volume expansion and highly elevated plasma atrial natriuretic factor levels (head-out water immersion and atrial natriuretic factor infusion) or marked volume expansion and moderate plasma atrial natriuretic factor level elevation (head-out water immersion and albumin infusion) in 13 alcoholic cirrhotic patients with massive ascites. Three of these patients, who responded to initial head-out water immersion with a negative sodium balance, served as controls. Unresponsiveness to head-out water immersion was confirmed in the remaining 10 patients on both days on the basis of blunted natriuretic response (urinary sodium excretion < 0.8 mmol/hr after 2 hr). In contrast, these 10 refractory patients were able to achieve negative sodium balance with both combinations. Mean urinary sodium excretion increased from a baseline level of 0.13 ± 0.10 mmol/hr to a peak level of 2.29 ± 0.61 mmol/hr after head-out water immersion and atrial natriuretic factor infusion and from 0.10 ± 0.3 mmol/hr to 1.61 ± 0.62 mmol/hr after head-out water immersion and albumin infusion. Both maneuvers were associated with suppression of plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone levels. With head-out water immersion and atrial natriuretic factor infusion, we noted a significant increase in 5′ cyclic GMP levels, a second messenger of atrial natriuretic factor, indicating possible activation of atrial natriuretic factor receptors at the inner medullary collecting ducts. In contrast, with head-out water immersion and albumin infusion no such increase in levels occurred, indicating that the increase in urinary sodium excretion was mainly due to increased delivery of sodium to the cortical distal nephron, as indicated by a disproportionate increase in urinary potassium excretion. In conclusion, massive (as opposed to moderate) volume expansion or greatly elevated levels of plasma atrial natriuretic factor associated with moderate volume expansion can improve blunted atrial natriuretic factor responsiveness in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites. This appears to be achieved by way of a marked increase in distal delivery of filtrate in the kidney, with or without activation of distal atrial natriuretic factor receptors in the inner medullary collecting ducts. (HEPATOLOGY 1993;18:519–528.)

Effects of atrial natriuretic factor on the renin-aldosterone system: In vivo and in vitro studies

We investigated the effect of high physiological plasma levels of human ∋atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) on renin and aldosterone secretion in normal sodium deplete men. In short term infusion studies (2 or 8 h duration), ANF plasma levels as observed after sodium loading (50–70 pg/ml) lowered basal renin (PRA) and aldosterone, but had only a marginal effect on angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone secretion. Preliminary results of a study with long term infusion (6 days) of ANF during a period of dietary sodium depletion argue against a significant tonic inhibitory effect of ANF on the renin-aldosterone system in the preceding period of sodium repletion: the plasma aldosterone response to sodium depletion was similar with and without ANF infusion. The second messenger of ANF for the direct inhibition of aldosterone secretion from zona glomerulosa cells is still unknown. To test the hypothesis, that cGMP is the second messenger of ANF, we produced a rise in intracellular cGMP in rat and rabbit zona glomerulosa cells using the unspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and the more cGMP specific phosphodiesterase specific inhibitor M + B2948 (Zaprinast). Both inhibitors simulated the action of ANF in suppressing steroid secretion and elevating cGMP levels. The results are compatible with the view that cGMP is of importance as a second messenger for ANF in adrenal zona glomerulosa cells. Selective inhibition of phosphodiesterases in combination with endopeptidase inhibition may be an interesting principle to enhance the action of endogenous and exogeneous ANF.

Increased transcripts for B-type natriuretic peptide in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction for atrial and brain natriuretic peptide transcripts.

The cardiac natriuretic peptide family includes atrial natriuretic factor and brain or B-type natriuretic peptide, also known as iso-atrial natriuretic factor (isoANF). Although these peptides contribute to cardiovascular homeostasis, their respective roles remain unclear. To study regulation of atrial natriuretic factor and isoANF gene expression during progression of hypertension, we developed a quantitative polymerase chain reaction protocol to measure their transcript level in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) hearts. At the onset of hypertension, atrial natriuretic factor transcripts in 5-week-old SHR were 50% of those of age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, whereas the level of isoANF transcripts was similar in atria and twofold higher in ventricles. Because atria are the major sites of atrial natriuretic factor gene expression and ventricles contribute predominantly to cardiac isoANF synthesis, total atrial natriuretic factor messenger RNA (mRNA) in the hearts of 5-week-old SHR was about 50% of that in WKY rats, and total isoANF mRNA content was already higher than in control rats. In left ventricles and ventricular septa, progression of hypertension led to a maximal increase of twofold and fourfold in atrial natriuretic factor and isoANF mRNA levels, respectively, with no detectable change in right ventricles. In the atria of older SHR, atrial natriuretic factor and isoANF mRNA levels were comparable to those of age-matched controls. These data indicate that, although increased blood pressure stimulates both atrial natriuretic factor and isoANF gene expression, regulation of the two natriuretic peptide genes is not temporally coordinated in all cardiac compartments. Furthermore, isoANF mRNA is already induced in the ventricles at the onset of the hypertensive stage, and in older SHR, the isoANF gene is hyperresponsive to progression of hypertension compared with atrial natriuretic factor. Thus, isoANF might represent a very sensitive marker of cardiac changes in hypertension.

Atrial natriuretic factor in experimental cirrhosis in rats

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a cardiac hormone with potent natriuretic, diuretic, and vasorelaxant properties. Although abnormalities in ANF release, plasma level, and renal receptors have been described in humans and/or animals with cirrhosis and ascites, little is known about the ANF hormonal system in cirrhosis without ascites. The aim of this study was to examine the ANF hormonal system in an animal model of cirrhosis to determine whether compensated cirrhosis is associated with changes in the ANF hormonal system. Pair-fed rats were studied 5–7 weeks after either sham surgery or bile duct ligation. Bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats had elevated portal pressure and cirrhosis but did not have ascites. ANF messenger RNA levels were increased onefold in the atria of BDL rats. Sham-operated and BDL rats had similar plasma ANF levels. Competitive binding inhibition studies of isolated glomeruli showed a single class of receptors in sham-operated and BDL rats. The equilibrium dissociation constant was similar in sham-operated (0.51 nmol/L) and BDL (0.63 nmol/L) rats. Glomerular ANF receptor density increased significantly in BDL rats. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate generation in isolated glomeruli in response to 100 nmol/L ANF decreased slightly but not significantly in BDL rats. It was concluded that the ANF hormonal system is altered in cirrhosis without ascites; atrial messenger RNA level and glomerular ANF receptor density are increased.

Atrial natriuretic factor in experimental cirrhosis in rats

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a cardiac hormone with potent natriuretic, diuretic, and vasorelaxant properties. Although abnormalities in ANF release, plasma level, and renal receptors have been described in humans and/or animals with cirrhosis and ascites, little is known about the ANF hormonal system in cirrhosis without ascites. The aim of this study was to examine the ANF hormonal system in an animal model of cirrhosis to determine whether compensated cirrhosis is associated with changes in the ANF hormonal system. Pair-fed rats were studied 5-7 weeks after either sham surgery or bile duct ligation. Bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats had elevated portal pressure and cirrhosis but did not have ascites. ANF messenger RNA levels were increased onefold in the atria of BDL rats. Sham-operated and BDL rats had similar plasma ANF levels. Competitive binding inhibition studies of isolated glomeruli showed a single class of receptors in sham-operated and BDL rats. The equilibrium dissociation constant was similar in sham-operated (0.51 nmol/L) and BDL (0.63 nmol/L) rats. Glomerular ANF receptor density increased significantly in BDL rats. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate generation in isolated glomeruli in response to 100 nmol/L ANF decreased slightly but not significantly in BDL rats. It was concluded that the ANF hormonal system is altered in cirrhosis without ascites; atrial messenger RNA level and glomerular ANF receptor density are increased. (Gastroenterology 1992 Apr;102(4 Pt 1):1356-62)

Attenuated forearm vasodilator response to atrial natriuretic factor in the elderly.

The vasodilator potency of human atrial natriuretic factor-(99-126) was investigated in the forearm vascular bed of 10 young and 10 elderly normotensive volunteers with venous occlusion strain gauge plethysmography. Atrial natriuretic factor was infused at six increasing dose steps into the brachial artery from 0.001 up to 0.3 microgram/min/100 ml of forearm volume. This induced a mean +/- SEM increase in blood flow from 1.4 +/- 0.2 up to 6.0 +/- 1.0 ml/min/100 ml in the young and from 1.4 +/- 0.2 up to 3.9 +/- 0.6 ml/min/100 ml in the elderly. The dose-response curves of forearm blood flow and of forearm vascular resistance after increasing infusion rates of atrial natriuretic factor were shifted to the right in the elderly when compared with the young subjects. The mean percent decrease in forearm vascular resistance, induced by atrial natriuretic factor, during this dose-response curve averaged -31 +/- 3% in the elderly versus -56 +/- 3% in the young subjects (p = 0.0002). The calculated forearm spillover of the second messenger of atrial natriuretic factor, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, significantly increased from baseline values of 1.2 +/- 1.1 and 0.7 +/- 0.5 pmol/min/100 ml in young and elderly subjects, respectively, up to 23.2 +/- 5.0 and 30.5 +/- 7.0 pmol/min/100 ml during the highest dose of atrial natriuretic factor (both p less than 0.01 versus baseline). There were no significant differences in the increments of the forearm spillover of this second messenger between both age groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Renal and humoral responses to sustained cardiopulmonary baroreceptor deactivation in humans

The renal and neurohumoral effects of prolonged cardiopulmonary baroreflex unloading and the relationship of these changes to urinary sodium excretion have not been well documented in humans. In this study, 12 normal males underwent lower body negative pressure at -15 mmHg for 90 min, a maneuver that deactivates cardiopulmonary baroreceptors. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), and filtration fraction (FF) were measured in eight of these subjects using inulin and p-aminohippuric acid clearance techniques. During reduction of central venous pressure, arterial blood pressure and heart rate did not change. Plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) decreased markedly (22 +/- 2 to 12 +/- 1 pg/ml, P = 0.0001) as did the second messenger of ANF's biological action, guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, whereas renin and vasopressin were not significantly altered. There was a significant rise in plasma norepinephrine (1.6 +/- 0.2 to 2.4 +/- 0.4 nmol/l, P = 0.03). GFR (104 +/- 9 to 68 +/- 6 ml/min, P = 0.007) and FF (0.18 +/- 0.01 to 0.14 +/- 0.01, P = 0.007) decreased significantly, with maintenance of ERPF. There was a significant antinatriuresis without an antikaliuresis and a significant reduction in free water clearance. These changes in renal hemodynamics are unlike the known effects of renal vasoconstrictors, and the alterations in solute and free water clearance are consistent with the removal of the known actions of ANF from tubular target sites. Taken together, our findings suggest that a mechanism other than activation of vasoconstrictors, possibly the diminution of the influence of ANF on the kidney, may be operative in the renal adjustments to cardiopulmonary baroreflex deactivation in humans.

Atrial natriuretic factor and cyclic guanosine monophosphate: Ion transport in rat colon in vitro and in vivo

The role of atrial natriuretic factor receptors in the colon is uncertain. Accordingly, the effects of atrial natriuretic factor in vivo and in vitro were studied. In vivo perfusion of the colon in Sprague-Dawley rats was used to measure Na+, K+, Cl−, and water transport, while atrial natriuretic factor was infused into the jugular vein at 0.5 or 1.0 μg · kg−1 · min−1. In vitro experiments in Ussing chambers measured short-circuit current and ion fluxes before and after atrial natriuretic factor administration. Because cyclic guanosine monophosphate is thought to be a second messenger for atrial natriuretic factor, shortcircuit current was also determined before and after exposure to 8-Br-cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Plasma atrial natriuretic factor (atriopeptin III) levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. The in vivo transport of water, sodium, and chloride and the secretion of potassium were not altered by atrial natriuretic factor infusion. In vitro studies showed no change in Na+ or Cl− transport or change in short-circuit current. Plasma atrial natriuretic factor concentrations increased from 139 ± 55 pg/mL to 1385 ± 396 pg/mL during infusion, and urine output increased from 12.6 ± 0.5 μL/min to 37.4 ± 2.9 μL/min (P < 0.05). In contrast, 8-Br-cyclic guanosine monophosphate in vitro caused a significant (P = 0.0004) increase in short-circuit current from 1.2 ± 0.2 to 2.9 ± 0.3 μEq · cm−2 · h−1.

Synthesis and secretion of atrial natriuretic factor during chronic hypoxia: A study in the conscious instrumented rat

1. To investigate the mechanisms leading to enhanced synthesis and release of atrial natriuretic factor during chronic hypoxia, we measured immunoreactive plasma atrial natriuretic factor, blood gases, packed cell volume, pulmonary artery pressure and systemic artery pressure in male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to 1, 2 or 3 weeks of normobaric hypoxia. Rats were implanted with pulmonary and carotid artery catheters and studied conscious, 23 h after return to hypoxia. 2. The concentration of atrial natriuretic factor messenger RNA was measured in the right and left ventricular free walls of rats exposed to 3 weeks of hypoxia and in normoxic control rats. 3. There was a trend for plasma atrial natriuretic factor to increase with the duration of exposure to hypoxia but only the 3-week hypoxic rats had a significantly higher level (1080 +/- 193 pg/ml) than the normoxic control rats (318 +/- 46 pg/ml, P less than 0.05, mean +/- SEM). When all the data from normoxic and hypoxic rats were considered together, plasma atrial natriuretic factor was positively correlated with packed cell volume (r = 0.66, P less than 0.001), pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.68, P less than 0.002), and the index of right ventricular hypertrophy (r = 0.54, P less than 0.01), but after analysis of partial correlation, packed cell volume was the only independent contributing factor to the variance in the level of plasma atrial natriuretic factor (r2 = 0.24).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)