Effect of atrial natriuretic factor on acid-base homeostasis

Both micropuncture and clearance studies have shown that the anion excreted in the urine in response to the increased glomerular filtration rate and solute load induced by atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) depends on the pre-existing acid-base status. In normal animals, the kidney is relatively better at reabsorbing bicarbonate than chloride, as ANF increases luminal flow so that a chloruresis without bicarbonaturia ensues. In contrast, during chronic hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis, alkalaemia renders the kidney unable to reabsorb the increment in filtered bicarbonate induced by ANF so that bicarbonaturia occurs with amelioration of the alkalosis. Since the relative magnitudes of chloride versus bicarbonate excretion rates in response to ANF are a function of the plasma anion concentrations, ANF tends to correct acid-base disorders.