Development of an in vivo protocol for investigating natriuretic mechanisms in response to acute sodium loading in humans

Introduction Extracellular fluid volume and arterial blood pressure are principally determined by total body sodium via osmoregulation. Dysregulation of mechanisms involved in maintaining sodium balance are therefore implicated in the development of hypertension. Hormonal mechanisms are thought to be critically involved in the regulation of natriuresis, and modification of these mechanisms may be a useful strategy in managing hypertension. Our aim was to establish an appropriate protocol for inducing natriuresis, which could be used to investigate the role of various hormone systems in maintaining sodium balance, and the effects of using pharmacological agents to manipulate these systems.