Atrial secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) has been shown to be regulated by atrial workload. Although modulating factors for the secretion of ANP have been reported, the role for intracellular Ca(2+) on the secretion of ANP has been controversial. The purpose of the present study was to define roles for L- and T-type Ca(2+) channels in the regulation of ANP secretion in perfused beating rabbit atria. BAY K 8644 (BAY K) increased atrial stroke volume and pulse pressure. BAY K suppressed ANP secretion and ANP concentration in terms of extracellular fluid (ECF) translocation concomitantly with an increase in atrial dynamics. BAY K shifted the relationship between ANP secretion and ECF translocation downward and rightward. These results indicate that BAY K inhibits myocytic release of ANP. In the continuous presence of BAY K, diltiazem reversed the effects of BAY K. Diltiazem alone increased ANP secretion and ANP concentration along with a decrease in atrial dynamics. Diltiazem shifted relationships between ANP secretion and atrial stroke volume or ECF translocation leftward. The T-type Ca(2+) channel inhibitor mibefradil decreased atrial dynamics. Mibefradil inhibited ANP secretion and ANP concentration in contrast with the L-type Ca(2+) channel inhibitor. These results suggest that activation of L- and T-type Ca(2+) channels elicits opposite effects on atrial myocytic release of ANP.