Let's learn about atrial natriuretic peptide. Fluid volume and blood pressure are closely related. Changes in fluid volume cause changes in blood volume, which affects blood pressure.
The heart secretes a hormone to help control blood pressure. This hormone is called atrial natriuretic peptide, or ANP. ANP is secreted by the atria of the heart. ANP is secreted in response to an increase in blood volume. ANP targets the kidneys and causes a decrease in sodium reabsorption.
More sodium exits the body. When sodium exits, more water follows by osmosis. and fluid volume decreases, causing subsequent decreases in blood volume and blood pressure. ANP affects blood vessels by causing vasodilation.
This also works to lower blood pressure. ANP vasodilates the afferent arteriole. which brings blood into the glomerulus, thereby increasing the amount of filtrate produced by the kidneys.
This causes more sodium and water excreted by the kidneys, which helps to lower blood pressure. Other effects of ANP include inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system, reducing aldosterone secretion by the adrenal cortex, and releasing free fatty acids from adipose tissue. We hope you've learned something about ANP and see you next time.