Effects of continuous negative extrathoracic pressure ventilation on renal function and alpha-atrial natriuretic peptide in normal individuals.

Continuous negative extrathoracic pressure ventilation (CNETPV) may induce atrial distention by augmenting venous return, resulting in the increased secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and natriuresis. To clarify this hypothesis, we investigated the effect of CNETPV on renal function and plasma ANP level. Nine male healthy volunteers were studied during three successive 60-minute periods under (1) spontaneous breathing, (2) CNETPV with continuous negative extrathoracic pressure of -10 cm H2O, and (3) spontaneous breathing again. Continuous negative extrathoracic pressure ventilation induced a transient increase in plasma ANP level, but changes in plasma ANP level were not statistically significant. Although there was no significant difference in urine volume and urinary sodium excretion among three successive periods, a slight but significant increase in creatinine clearance was noticed during CNETPV. These results indicate that CNETPV with continuous negative extrathoracic pressure of -10 cm H2O does not induce the major change in ANP secretion and renal function in normal subjects.