atrial-natriuretic-factor and Mental-Disorders

Stress is often associated with water retention and its resolution with diuresis. The biological systems for the control of stress and water balance are very closely related. Corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are co-localised in the hypothalamus and often act synergistically. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) can exert a feedback control on the hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenal axis. ANP has been shown to be anxiolytic, whereas AVP may be anxiogenic. AVP and ANP levels have been found to be abnormal in a range of stress disorders and psychiatric illnesses. Isatin is an endogenous anxiogenic factor which is also a potent inhibitor of the ANP receptor. It may provide a link between the function of monoamines during stress, and the control of water balance by ANP.

Topics: Arginine Vasopressin; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Isatin; Mental Disorders; Stress, Psychological; Water-Electrolyte Balance

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is the first of a group of atrial natriuretic peptides (ANPs) discovered since 1981. This group of peptides is thought to have an important role in sodium homeostasis and regulation of fluid volume. Although the role of ANF in cardiovascular and renal disorders is under investigation, the specific signaling involvement that ANF may have in the central nervous system is still unexplored. To date, ANF has not as yet been associated with a given functional area in the brain, nor has it been shown to be linked to any particular psychopathology. Neuropharmacology research of these peptides and their drug manipulation is needed to advance our knowledge of the possible role of ANF in psychiatry beyond the current level of speculation.

Topics: Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Brain; Drinking Behavior; Humans; Mental Disorders; Metabolic Diseases; Neurosecretory Systems; Vasopressins; Water; Water-Electrolyte Balance

Topics: Acetates; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Electroconvulsive Therapy; Mental Disorders; Neurology; Psychosurgery; Psychotherapy

Topics: Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Electroconvulsive Therapy; Humans; Mental Disorders; Psychopharmacology; Psychosurgery; Psychotic Disorders