determinant of ANF release is atrial distension, 4 although adrenergic stimulation has also
been implicated in the direct release of ANF. 5, 6 Both of these mechanisms could account
for the release of ANF during exercise. To elucidate the relative roles of these mechanisms,
we determined the plasma ANF concentrations and cardiac volumes during exercise before
and after β-adrenergic blockade with propranolol.