Which natriuretic peptide reduces blood volume and blood pressure?

Prepare for the Anatomy and Physiology II Exam with comprehensive questions and detailed explanations. Gain confidence with our tailored quizzes and maximize your exam performance!

Natriuretic peptides regulate blood volume and blood pressure by promoting sodium and water loss and dilating vessels. Atrial natriuretic peptide is released when the atria are stretched from excess blood volume. It acts on the kidneys to boost natriuresis (sodium excretion) and diuresis (water excretion) by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule and collecting ducts, and by suppressing renin-angiotensin-aldosterone activity. It also causes vasodilation, especially of the renal afferent and efferent arterioles, which increases glomerular filtration rate. All of this lowers circulating volume and reduces blood pressure. Brain natriuretic peptide works in a similar way but is produced in the ventricles; erythropoietin mainly stimulates red blood cell production, not fluid balance; ADH promotes water retention and would raise, not lower, blood volume.