Endogenous atrial natriuretic factor and airway control

ix, 82 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.This thesis describes two experiments investigating the role of endogenous atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in the modulation of airway calibre and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in humans under normal physiological conditions. Two approaches are used. One approach examines the diurnal variation of endogenous ANF and its effect on the airway function of asthmatics and non-asthmatics. The second approach analyses a change in bronchoresponsiveness and/or airway calibre in response to manipulation of endogenous ANF levels.Thesis (M.Sc.) -- University of Adelaide, Dept. of Physiology, 1997