atrial natriuretic factor
American Heritage Dictionary:
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atrial natriuretic factor
n. (Abbr. ANF)
A hormonal substance produced by the right atrium of the heart that stimulates the excretion of sodium and water by the kidneys and helps regulate blood pressure.
Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine:
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atrial natriuretic factor
ANF
A polypeptide isolated from the atrium of the heart, and also present in the brain. ANF is thought to act as a hormone, helping to regulate the volume of extracellular fluid and electrolytes; for example, it increases renal sodium excretion and causes capillaries to dilate. The concentration of atrial natriuretic factor increases during exercise, but the significance of this is not yet fully understood.
American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary:
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atrial natriuretic factor
n.
A peptide hormone released from cardiac atrial tissue that causes increased elimination of sodium by the kidney.
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Copyrights:
American Heritage Dictionary
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine
The Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine. Copyright © Michael Kent 1998, 2006, 2007. All rights reserved.
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American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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