For the first time, two vital physiological systems--the Na+-K+-ATPase inhibitor and the atrial hormones--are explored in one essential volume. Chapters exploring the atrial natriuretic factor describe the remarkable progress since de Bold''s classic 1981 experiment, from advances in characterizing gene structure to measurement of blood levels in human disease. The book chronicles the important actions of this new hormonal system (aside from its effect on the kidney) in dilating blood vessels, inhibiting aldosterone and renin secretion, and increasing vascular permeability. The last three chapters describe the latest findings in the area of the Na+-K+-ATPase inhibitor, including factors of volume control and hypertension, arterial hypertension, and sodium-transport inhibitors as physiological regulators of the sodium pump.
