atrial-natriuretic-factor and Trypanosomiasis--African

When beagle dogs were infected with Trypanosoma brucei, a marked reduction in the plasma concentration of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) occurred in the terminal stage of the disease during weeks 3 and 4. At the same time there was an increase in plasma renin activity (PRA) after infection. Ultrastructural studies of the atria of these dogs demonstrated a reduction in ANF granules. The changes in ANF and PRA occurred in association with severe pancarditis and the development of heart failure. By impairing the ability of the heart and kidneys to regulate blood volume, the alterations in ANF and PRA could be involved in the pathogenesis of heart failure in T. brucei-infected dogs.

Topics: Animals; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Cytoplasmic Granules; Dogs; Female; Heart Atria; Microscopy, Electron; Myocardium; Renin; Trypanosoma brucei brucei; Trypanosomiasis, African