The effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF; atriopeptin III) on renal function, plasma concentrations of antidiurectic hormone, aldosterone, and plasma renin activity (PRA) were examined in anesthetized rats and sodium-depleted conscious sheep. The results were compared with those obtained by intravenous infusion of the same dose of ANF. In both rats and sheep, urine volume was increased four- to sixfold over basal values by ICV infusion of ANF. The response was not associated with increased excretion of sodium or potassium. However, urine osmolality was decreased, and free water clearance increased. Intravenous infusion of the same dose of ANF was without effect. Neither mean arterial blood pressure nor heart rate was changed by the ICV infusion of ANF. In the sheep, renal plasma flow showed no significant changes and glomerular filtration rate was unaltered with the exception of a single experimental period out of four periods of ICV ANF infusion. Plasma concentration of ADH was decreased and PRA increased, whereas aldosterone levels remained unchanged as a function of ICV ANF. In the rat, the diuretic response to ANF was prevented by continuous intravenous infusion of a subpressor dose of ADH. These results suggest that ANF within the central nervous system inhibits secretion of ADH.