Urodilatin is involved in sodium homeostasis and exerts sodium-state-dependent natriuretic and diuretic effects

Urodilatin is a member of the natriuretic peptide family synthesized by the kidney to regulate renal function. In a study of eight healthy, male subjects, ingestion of 52, 172.6 and 347.8 mmol sodium/day for seven days resulted in increased urodilatin and sodium excretion at the end of the diet. Infusion of urodilatin at the end of each diet caused a marked increase in natriuresis and diuresis. These results suggest that urodilatin contributes to the regulation of sodium fluid balance and that renal function in response to urodilatin is modulated by sodium balance.