Release of atrial natriuretic factor with increasing absolute atmospheres of pressure in a hyperbaric chamber and reversal with oxygen therapy.
Diving is associated with a marked diuresis which can be accurately reproduced in a hyperbaric chamber where the pressure of a specific depth can be precisely controlled. The present investigation was designed to determine if the diuresis observed with diving is associated with increased release of a new diuresis-producing hormone, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). Seven experienced divers (3 men and 4 women; average age of 31 years) had their circulating concentration of atrial natriuretic factor measured at 1, 2 and 3 atmospheres of absolute pressure (ATA) in a monoplace hyperbaric chamber while breathing air. With the simulated dive to 33 feet (2 ATA), the circulating concentration of ANF increased 3-fold and at a depth of 66 feet (3 ATA) ANF increased 6-fold over the concentration at 1 ATA. With the addition of 100% oxygen while at depths of 33 and 66 feet, the concentration of ANF immediately decreased to its pre-dive concentration and remained there with further decompression to surface air and removal of oxygen supplementation. Thus, the increased release of ANF with depth may help to explain the diuresis observed with diving.
Rico
D M
DM
Department of Hyperbaric Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, Little Rock, AR 72205.
Svendsen
F J
FJ
Huffer
C
C
Smith
M
M
Pierce
R
R
Winters
C J
CJ
Vesely
D L
DL
D000328:Adult; D001274:Atmospheric Pressure; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D003664:Decompression; D004242:Diving; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D008297:Male; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D010100:Oxygen / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay
D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor; D010100:Oxygen