Conclusion – Atrial Natriuretic Factor

Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF) Meaning

Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF) is a peptide hormone. Atrial Natriuretic Factor is secreted by the atrial cells of the heart. ANF is released in case of an increase in blood volume and pressure. It is also known as the ‘hormone of the heart’. The Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF) structure is composed of 28 amino acids....

Atrial Natriuretic Factor Function

Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF) can also be called Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP). Its main functions include:...

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Function in Kidney

In the kidneys, ANF plays several crucial roles which are given below:...

Production of Atrial Natriuretic Factor – ANF

ANF is synthesized as inactive peptide hormones encoded by the human NPPA gene, also known as natriuretic peptide A, located on the short arm of chromosome 1. Atrial Natriuretic Factor is secreted by or in response to:...

What are the Physiological Effects of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide ANP?

ANF functions as a strong vasodilator, thus, it causes the decrease of blood pressure by the relaxing of the blood vessels. At the same time, the renin and aldosterone secretion are inhibited leading to the decreased sodium reabsorption in kidneys and in turn, the sodium and water are excreted more, promoting diuresis....

Mechanism of Action of Atrial Natriuretic Factor

ANF has receptors in the kidneys, adrenal glands and blood vessels, hence the binding to these receptors causes signalling pathways to be activated, eventually leading to the physiological effects mentioned above. An example is the activation of guanylate cyclase increasing cGMP levels, which then, in turn, causes vasodilation and also prevents the release of aldosterone....

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Cardiac Disease

The disorder of ANF levels or its signaling pathways is the cause of many cardiovascular diseases, for instance, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and renal diseases. The measurement of ANF levels can be a definite diagnostic marker for these conditions and also a prognostic indicator of patient outcomes. Besides, artificial ANF is used to treat medical problems such as heart failure and high blood pressure....

Conclusion – Atrial Natriuretic Factor

In conclusion, Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF) plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular and renal homeostasis. It is primarily secreted by the atrial cells of the heart in response to increased blood volume and pressure, functioning as a potent vasodilator and promoting sodium and water excretion to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance. Disruption of ANF levels or its signaling pathways can lead to various cardiovascular diseases, making ANF measurement a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool. Additionally, artificial ANF analogues are utilized in the treatment of conditions like heart failure and hypertension, highlighting the clinical significance of this peptide hormone....

FAQs on Atrial Natriuretic Factor

What does the Atrial Natriuretic Factor do?...