Atrial Natriuretic Peptide/Factor Antibody

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), also known as Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), NPPA or PND, is a powerful vasodilator, and a protein (polypeptide) hormone secreted by heart muscle cells. This gene is mapped to 1p36.22. It is involved in the homeostatic control of body water, sodium, potassium and fat (adipose tissue). ANF is released by muscle cells in the upper chambers (atria) of the heart (atrial myocytes) in response to high blood volume. It acts to reduce the water, sodium and adipose loads on the circulatory system, thereby reducing blood pressure. ANF has exactly the opposite function of the aldosterone secreted by the zona glomerulosa in regard to its effect on sodium in the kidney--that is, aldosterone stimulates sodium retention and it generates sodium loss.