Modulatory Role of Vasopressin in Secretion of Atrial Natriuretic Polypeptide in Conscious Rats

To investigate whether vasopressin is involved in the secretory mechanism of atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP), effects of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) administered iv on plasma ANP levels were studied in conscious, unrestrained rats. The administration of 100 ng and 1 microgram of AVP caused a dose-dependent increase of the plasma ANP level, which was blocked by a V1-receptor antagonist of AVP, and was attenuated by 5 ml blood volume reduction before the stimulation. The injection of less than 10 ng of AVP induced no significant effects on ANP secretion. However, the administration of 5 ng of AVP significantly enhanced ANP secretion induced by intravascular volume expansion with 3 ml saline infusion. These results suggest the possible physiological significance of AVP as a modulator rather than a direct stimulator of ANP secretion from the heart.