Intranasal administration of alpha-human natriuretic peptide produces a prolonged diuresis in healthy man.

The effects of an intranasal administration of synthetic alpha-human natriuretic polypeptide (alpha-hANP) were studied in 8 healthy male volunteers. They were given an intranasal administration of alpha-hANP at doses of 0.56-0.62 microgram/kg twice in the same day, the first and second administrations being separated by 180 min. Urine volume and urinary sodium excretion increased 2 to 3-fold 60 min after each administration. There were no significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, glomerular filtration rate, plasma renin activity and plasma concentration of aldosterone, cortisol and catecholamines. The intranasal administration of alpha-hANP was well tolerated by the volunteers, and no untoward effect was observed. The results suggest that alpha-hANP can be used as a nasal spray in patients with overhydration.