Atrial natriuretic peptide inhibits postural release of renin and vasopressin in humans

The effects of infusions of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on the hormonal and hemodynamic responses to head-up tilt were investigated in six healthy adults. Head-up tilt at 45 degrees for 2 h during placebo saline infusion caused a 7% fall in blood volume accompanied by increases in plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) of 112 and 175%, respectively. Head-up tilt was repeated during an infusion of ANP producing a four- to sixfold increase in plasma ANP concentrations. This resulted in an 18% fall in plasma volume, yet despite this greater fall in plasma volume, PRA did not change. Two subjects experienced vasovagal symptoms toward the end of the ANP infusions accompanied by large increases in plasma AVP. In the other four subjects, plasma AVP remained unchanged during ANP infusions. Both procedures resulted in similar increases in plasma norepinephrine levels and in heart rate. Infusion of ANP prevents the posturally stimulated release of renin and AVP.