Effect of different salt diets on the release of atrial natriuretic peptide and its related hormonal and renal changes

ABSTRACT

The effect of different salt [NaCl] diets [deficient, low or high] on plasma atrial natriuretic peptide [ANP] level and subsequently the effect of ANP change on the other related hormonal and renal parameters were studied in male [Rattus rattus norvegicus] rats. Seventy rats were used in this study and divided into four groups Control [15 rats], deficient salt diet [15 rats], low salt diet [20 rats] and high salt diet [20 rats]. Serum sodium, plasma ANP and cyclic guanosine 3,5-monophosphate [cGMP] levels were significantly lower; while, plasma renin activity [PRA] and serum aldosterone levels were significantly higher in rats fed on deficient or low salt diet than in the control rats. Total body weight [TBW], hematocrite [Hct], serum potassium, albumin, urea and creatinine levels remained within the normal level. On the other hand, in the group of rats fed on high salt diet, serum sodium, TBW, plasma ANP and cGMP, serum urea and creatinine were significantly increased; whereas, Hct, serum albumin, PRA and serum aldosterone levels were significantly decreased as compared with the control group with no significant change in serum potassium level