Comparative vasoactive effects of native and synthetic atrial natriuretic factor (ANF).

The presence of a natriuretic factor in mammals atria has been confirmed by many laboratories. In addition to its natriuretic and diuretic activities, atrial preparation of uncertain degree of purification are known to contain a vasoactive substance. By the use of pure atrial natriuretic factor of known amino acid sequence and its synthetic homologue we have presented strong evidences suggesting that natriuretic and vasoactive activities are indeed mediated by the same peptide. As this peptide has not yet been detected in the circulation, its actual physiological relevance remains to be elucidated.