الفهرس 
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Abstract
THE PRIMARY function of the heart is to serve as the
muscular pump for the circulatory system. Recent ev1dence
has proven that the heart is also an endocrine organ (Palluk
et al .. 1985). Atrial peptides. collectively known as atrial
natriuretic hormone (ANH), are released from secretory
granules located in atrial, but not ventricular. myocytes
and have been shown to induce diuresis, natriuresis, and
vasorelaxation in animals and man. Atrial distension appears
to be the predominant $timulus that triggers release of ANH
in rats (Bates et al., 1986).
Bergman et al., 1n (1988) reported that malnutrit1on
caused a stunted growth and produced generalized tissue
wasting, particularly a severe loss of muscle tissue and
protein, which almost certainly included the heart muscle.
Various cardiovascular abnormalities have also been
documented. including low cardiac output. cardiac failure
(reduced cardiac size), and sudden unexpected death.
This study aims at studying the ANP in malnourished
children (KWO and M. KWO), to find out if it could be
adverselY affec.ted by their state of malnutrition. and its
implication on salt and wat·er retention.