ABSTRACT
Atrial natriuretic factor [ANF] has been shown to have a potent natriuretic, diuretic and vasodilating effects in several species. Previous studies have indicated abnormal levels in alcoholic cirrhosis. Therefore, we found it worthwhile to study its levels in Upper Egyptians with liver cirrhosis. The study included a total of 20 subjects with liver cirrhosis, 10 with and 10 without ascites complicating the disease together with 7 completely healthy subjects with comparable age who served as controls. ANF levels were significantly increased in subjects with cirrhosis compared with controls and in patients with ascites compared with those without ascites. The elevations were marked and present in all cirrhotic subjects taking mean + 2 S.Ds. of control levels as the upper limit of normal levels. These findings are strongly suggesting that reduced sensitivity to the renal effects of ANF lead to renal sodium retention, progressive intravascular volume expansion and atrial distention with further increased secretion of ANF. These effects are especially marked in ascitic patients