Role of atrial peptide in the natriuresis and diuresis that follows relief of obstruction in rat

The present studies demonstrate that endogenous levels of atrial peptide are significantly elevated in the plasma of rats with bilateral ureteral obstruction (BUO) compared with control rats or rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction. The contribution of endogenous atrial peptide to the natriuresis and diuresis that follows release of BUO was examined by the intravenous infusion of heparin with or without the exogenous administration of atrial peptide. Infusion of heparin, which binds atrial peptide and interferes with its biological effect, decreased the natriuresis and diuresis observed after release of BUO. Heparin administration also markedly blunted the natriuresis and diuresis observed after exogenous administration of atrial peptide following release of BUO in rats. In contrast, heparin administration did not decrease the natriuresis and diuresis seen in the experimental kidney after relief of unilateral ureteral obstruction. The finding of increased plasma levels of atrial peptide in rats with bilateral ureteral obstruction together with the decrease in diuresis and natriuresis observed with the administration of heparin after release of BUO in these animals indicate that endogenous levels of atrial peptide contribute to the natriuresis and diuresis that occur after release of BUO in rats.