Atrial volume receptors

Atrial volume receptors are low pressure baroreceptors that are found in the atria of heart.

When these receptors detect pressure drop in the atria, which is indicative for a decrease in blood volume, signal is transmitted from the atrial volume receptors to the hypothalamus of brain. The hypothalamus, in turn, increases the production of vasopressin (ADH, AVP, or arginin vasopressin). Furthermore, low volume also stimulates sympathetic nerves, which stimulate renin release from Juxtaglomerula cells of the afferent arteriole in kidneys. Renin leads to the activation of Angiotensin II, a potent agent in increasing blood pressure.