Atrial natriuretic factor: the heart as an endocrine organ

Article Abstract:

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a protein hormone secreted by the heart atrial tissue, and is also present in lung, brain and (in a fetus) the heart ventricles. The release of ANF increases in conjunction with distention of the atria, increased pressure in the atria, and increased sodium intake. ANF release is also activated by the administration of alpha adrenergic agonists and angiotensin II, which constrict blood vessels; and antidiuretic hormone, which prevents the elimination of water. Studies in man and animals show that ANF has effects on the secretory glands, kidney, and muscles of the blood vessel walls. A major function of ANF may be to antagonize, or counteract, the effects of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in increasing blood pressure. Renin activates the production of angiotensin II, which constricts blood vessels and provokes the release of aldosterone, an adrenal hormone involved in the regulation of sodium, potassium, and chloride metabolism. ANF increases the elimination of water and sodium and causes the dilation of blood vessels. ANF may also function as a neurotransmitter, a substance that helps to transmit impulses along nerves, and may also have direct effects on the central nervous system, such as the inhibition of thirst. The role of ANF and changes in its levels in relation to abnormal conditions in the fetus and newborn are described. ANF may be useful in the treatment of various diseases, such as heart failure, respiratory distress syndrome (impaired respiratory function in the premature newborn), acute kidney failure, fluid accumulation, high blood pressure, and asthma. Drugs that antagonize the actions of ANF may be useful in treating abnormally low blood sodium levels and relieving Bartter's syndrome, a kidney disorder. ANF does not cause toxic effects on the kidney, and lacks the side effects of many diuretics, agents that increase water excretion, and vasodilators, agents that dilate blood vessels. However ANF remains in the body for only a short period of time (around five minutes) and must be administered directly into the blood vessels. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Heart

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A dose ranging study of ibuprofen suspension as an antipyretic

Article Abstract:

Fever is a common symptom of illness in children and may lead to development of convulsions if untreated. Although aspirin reduces fever, it may cause Reye's syndrome, a disorder characterized by brain disease and fatty accumulation in various internal organs, nausea, vomiting, changes in mental status, and enlargement of the liver. Acetaminophen is safer than aspirin, and can be used as an alternative agent to reduce fever in children. The drug ibuprofen counteracts inflammation and relieves pain and has been used to treated juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory joint disease affecting children. Ibuprofen was only recently accepted for use in reducing fever in the United Kingdom. Studies have shown that ibuprofen is as effective as acetaminophen in reducing fever, although the lowest effective dose of ibuprofen and tolerance to this agent have not been assessed. The lowest effective dose of ibuprofen in reducing fever in children and incidence and severity of side effects associated with ibuprofen treatment were examined in 93 children. Effectiveness was indicated by the ability to reduce body temperature by 1 degree Centigrade or more within three hours after ingestion of ibuprofen, which was given as a suspension. A dose of 5 milligrams ibuprofen per kilogram of body weight caused the largest reduction in body temperature, 2 degrees Centigrade. The doses of ibuprofen were well tolerated and acceptable in taste. These findings suggest that ibuprofen may serve as a suitable alternative to acetaminophen. in reducing fever in children. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Analysis, Evaluation, Drug therapy, Fever in children, Childhood fever, Ibuprofen, Antipyretics

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Atrial natriuretic factor in hydrops fetalis caused by Rh isoimmunisation

Article Abstract:

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a hormone that alters fluid and salt balance when blood pressure increases. ANF is secreted by fetuses, and it may be released during hydrops fetalis, or severe edema, related to hemolytic disease of the newborn (which is caused by exposure to an incompatible Rh blood factor). The relationship between the severity of hydrops fetalis and ANF levels in 16 fetuses, 15 of whom had Rh factor disease, was determined during the course of medical procedures. In these cases, edema is associated with severe drops in hemoglobin, the red blood cell protein that carries oxygen. The results revealed that ANF levels were proportional to the degree of hydrops fetalis and the decrease in hemoglobin. In some cases hemoglobin levels were increased by blood transfusion, and decreases in edema and ANF levels resulted. This study suggests that ANF levels increase due to a lack of oxygen, which is caused by hemoglobin depletion, rather than to hydrops fetalis. Further study of these relationships may be helpful. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Erythroblastosis fetalis, Hydrops fetalis

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