Natriuretic Peptides and the Kidney

Kurzfassung

The years since 1981 have witnessed numerous studies characterizing and defining the roles of several natriuretic peptides that partici- pate in the regulation of volume homeostasis in animals and human beings. Initially, efforts were directed toward the characterization of a peptide released from the heart, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Increasing evidence has emerged indicating that the kidney itself produces a member of the natriuretic peptide family, named urodilatin. This chapter will review the physiologic effects of thesetwo peptides and their proposed roles both in normal volume homeosta-sis and in edematous disorders. In addition, discussion on ouabain- like factor(s) will also be provided.