Role of Endogenous Atrial Natriuretic Peptide in Volume Expansion Diuresis and Natriuresis of the Pekin Duck

Polyclonal antibodies raised in a rabbit against avian atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) were shown to reduce circulating endogenous ANP levels in Pekin ducks by more than 90%, and were subsequently used to investigate the role of this peptide in volume expansion diuresis and natriuresis. Conscious birds, undergoing a steady-state diuresis and natriuresis maintained by an i.v. infusion of hypotonic saline at a rate of 0.7 ml/min, responded to ANP antiserum (anti-ANP) with an immediate 30% reduction in urine flow rate and sodium excretion which lasted for about 30 min. Plasma arginine vasotocin levels were not changed by anti-ANP whereas circulating angiotensin II concentrations increased immediately following the administration of anti-ANP. Serum from non-immunized normal rabbits produced no changes in the renal and plasma parameters monitored. The results show that the high circulating levels of endogenous ANP associated with volume expansion promote renal salt and fluid excretion and thus have a major physiological role in avian volume homeostasis.