<P> ANP binds to a specific set of receptors--ANP receptors . Receptor - agonist binding causes the increase in renal sodium excretion, which results in a decreased ECF and blood volume . Secondary effects may be an improvement in cardiac ejection fraction and reduction of systemic blood pressure . </P> <Ul> <Li> Dilates the afferent glomerular arteriole, constricts the efferent glomerular arteriole, and relaxes the mesangial cells . This increases pressure in the glomerular capillaries, thus increasing the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), resulting in greater filter load of sodium and water . </Li> <Li> Increases blood flow through the vasa recta, which will wash the solutes (sodium chloride (NaCl), and urea) out of the medullary interstitium . The lower osmolarity of the medullary interstitium leads to less reabsorption of tubular fluid and increased excretion . </Li> <Li> Decreases sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule (interaction with NCC) and cortical collecting duct of the nephron via guanosine 3', 5' - cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) dependent phosphorylation of ENaC . </Li> <Li> Its natriuretic effect is affected by dopamine and dopamine receptor D activity in vivo </Li> <Li> Inhibits renin secretion, thereby inhibiting the renin--angiotensin--aldosterone system . </Li> </Ul> <Li> Dilates the afferent glomerular arteriole, constricts the efferent glomerular arteriole, and relaxes the mesangial cells . This increases pressure in the glomerular capillaries, thus increasing the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), resulting in greater filter load of sodium and water . </Li> <Li> Increases blood flow through the vasa recta, which will wash the solutes (sodium chloride (NaCl), and urea) out of the medullary interstitium . The lower osmolarity of the medullary interstitium leads to less reabsorption of tubular fluid and increased excretion . </Li>

How does atrial natriuretic peptide help regulate blood pressure