Role of the Liver in Splanchnic Extraction of Atrial Natriuretic Factor in the Rat

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Abstract
Mesenteric, hepatic and splanchnic extraction of C–terminal and N–terminal atrial natriuretic factor was investigated in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Plasma concentrations (mean ± S.E.M.) of C–terminal atrial natriuretic factor were 55.0 ± 6.1 fmol/ml, 31.2 ± 4.0 fmol/ml and 23.5 ± 3.3 fmol/ml (n = 12) in the abdominal aorta, the portal vein and the hepatic vein, respectively. N–terminal atrial natriuretic factor plasma levels in these vessels were 3031 ± 756 fmol/ml, 2264 ± 661 fmol/ml and 1618 ± 496 fmol/ml (n = 6), respectively. Although the mesenteric extraction ratio was higher (p < 0.05) for C–terminal atrial natriuretic factor (42% ± 6%) than for N–terminal atrial natriuretic factor (28% ± 4%), there were no significant differences in the hepatic extraction ratio (41% ± 5% vs. 39% ± 6%) and the splanchnic extraction ratio (56% ± 5% vs. 50% ± 7%). These data suggest a major role of the liver in the splanchnic extraction of C–terminal and of N–terminal atrial natriuretic factor in the rat. (Hepatology 1992;16:790-793.)