Abstract: A method for alleviating stress induced immunosuppression is accomplished by application of low doses of ANF[1-28] or other ANF analogs having intact N-terminal sequences. Atrial natriuretic factors (ANFs) with intact N-terminal sequences are shown to be effective inhibitors of CRF 41-stimulated ACTH secretion when the ANFs are present in low concentrations. ANF[1-28] significantly inhibited ACTH release stimulated by 1-5 nM CRF. At the most effective concentration of 100 pM, ACTH release was inhibited by 40.1% (p<0.001). This effect was manifested after three hours, but not after only one half or one hour of incubation. Conversely, ANF[5-28], at concentrations of 10 to 10,000 pM, had no effect on ACTH secretion after one half, one, or three hours. ANF[1-11] weakly inhibited ACTH secretion at concentrations of 100 pM and 1000 pM. Again, three hours of incubation was required to manifest these effects.

Abstract: A method for treating anemia comprises administering an atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) alone or in combination with erythropoietin (Epo). The ANF potentiates the activity of Epo and causes production of erythroid progenitors, BFU-E and CFU-E, and as a consequence red blood cell production at greater levels than if Epo alone is present in the blood stream.