function of adrenal glands in urinary system

Plasma ANP levels are impaired in several endocrine diseases : the plasma hormone levels increase in hypercortisolism, hyperaldosteronism, thyrotoxicosis and inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion it decreases in hypothyroidism.

In the central nervous system, ANP acts as a neurotransmitter in order to regulate pituitary and vegetative functions. Because of a local production, ANP may also act as a paracrine hormone that influences the function of many endocrine systems (ovarian function for instance). Finally the endocrine effects of ANP strengthen the cardiovascular and renal effects of the hormone, antagonizing the salt and water retention due to aldosterone and AVP. Vasopressin enhances ANP synthesis while GH decreases it. ANP inhibits ACTH release and arginine vasopressin secretion. The hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis is another important target. Moreover ANP inhibits the thyroid synthesis whereas its production is enhanced by thyroid hormone. As ANP synthesis is enhanced by the latter, it suggests a regulatory loop. Steroidogenesis, especially mineralocorticoid synthesis, is inhibited by ANP, but glucocorticoid production seems to be depressed too. The adrenal glands are the first endocrine target. Its main targets are the kidney and the cardiovascular system but ANP interacts with many other hormones in order to regulate their secretion. Its main function is to lower blood pressure and to control electrolyte homeostasis. The atrial natriuretic hormone (ANP) is a cardiac hormone which gene and receptors are widely present in the body.

Function of adrenal glands in urinary system