THE EFFECTS OF ATRIAL STRETCH ON ALDOSTERONE SECRETION1

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Abstract
A study was carried out to determine whether the secretion rates of aldesterone and of hydrocortisone are subject to regulation by receptors located in the atria of the heart. In dogs, the right or left atrium was stretched with sutures which extended from the atrium to the thoracic wall. Adrenal venous blood was collected and analyzed for aldosterone and hydrocortisone. Following right atrial stretch the aldosterone secretion rate was significantly reduced. However, stretching the left atrium was without effect on the secretory rate of aldosterone. These findings strongly suggest that the secretion of aldosterone may be regulated in part by stretch receptors located in the right atrium.