We investigated the release of atrial natriuretic peptide-like immunoreactive material (ANP-LI) after splanchnic nerve stimulation of isolated perfused adrenal glands. Electrical stimulation of the splanchnic nerves caused a statistically significant increase of ANP-LI (186 +/- 12 pg.min-1; p < 0.05) at 5 min. after stimulation. The integrated ANP-LI release after stimulation was amounted to 354 +/- 6.8% over basal. The regulation of ANP through the sympathoadrenal system may indicate an important role of ANP in adrenal steroidogenesis.