The effects of angiotensin II on circulating levels of natriuretic peptides.

Abstract

We have evaluated the differential release of A, B and C‐type natriuretic peptides in response to incremental doses of angiotensin II (2, 4 and 6 ng kg‐1 min‐1). Baseline plasma concentrations of ANP (5.99 +/‐ 0.74 pmol 1‐1) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than BNP (1.53 +/‐ 0.48 pmol 1‐1) or CNP (0.41 +/‐ 0.11 pmol 1‐1). Angiotensin II infusion caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in plasma ANP to 53.76 +/‐ 17.3 pmol 1‐1 at 6 ng kg‐1 min‐1. Plasma concentrations of BNP and CNP were not significantly affected by angiotensin II. Arterial blood pressures and systemic vascular resistance increased (P < 0.001) in response to angiotensin II infusion. Thus, ANP, unlike BNP or CNP, is released acutely in response to the pressor stimulus of angiotensin II. This may represent a dissociation in release of the natriuretic peptides, in terms of short and long term responses to activation of the renin‐angiotensin system. 1994 The British Pharmacological Society