We studied whether alpha-human atrial natriuretic peptide (alpha-hANP) had the capacity to regulate cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in human glomeruli, since decreased cAMP in the glomerulus may increase the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) through increasing kf (glomerular capillary ultrafiltration coefficient). Human kidneys were obtained at surgery for carcinoma. Normal cortical tissues from these kidneys were used for the study. After incubating the renal cortical slices with 0.1% collagenase, glomeruli were dissected manually under the stereomicroscope. Two glomeruli were incubated (37 degrees C, 2 min) with parathyroid hormone (PTH) and/or alpha-hANP. cAMP was determined by radioimmunoassay. alpha-hANP at a concentration of 5 x 10(-6) M had no effect on glomerular cAMP accumulation in the basal condition. PTH stimulated cAMP formation in a dose-dependent manner. alpha-hANP inhibited significantly the increase in cAMP formation induced by PTH (p less than 0.01). This action of alpha-hANP was dose-dependent, with a maximum of 50% inhibition. PTH is one of the endogenous substances that are known to increase cAMP formation and decrease kf. Thus, it seems likely that alpha-hANP increased GFR through modulating the production of cAMP in human kidney.