Natriuretic peptide
[1] Two minor hormones include urodilatin (URO) which is processed in the kidney and encoded by the same gene as ANP, and dendroaspis NP (DNP) that was discovered through isolation of the venom from the green mamba snake.
Atrial cells were found to contain highly developed Golgi networks and spherical granules, while balloon distension of the atria correlated with increased urination in dogs.
[3] De Bold and colleagues linked these studies and discovered the first natriuretic peptide that works by stimulating renal sodium and water secretion.
Kangawa and Matsuo determined the complete amino acid sequence of α-hANP using protein isolated from human atrial tissue.
[3] Natriuretic peptides have a wide range of physiological effects that include the regulation of blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance, and cardiovascular function.
Elevated levels of ANP and BNP are commonly found in patients with heart failure and can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of this condition.
[1] Induction of natriuresis by inhibiting Na+, H+ exchanger in the proximal tubule, Na+, Cl− co-transporter in the distal tubule, and Na+ channels in the collecting duct Natriuretic and diuretic effects due to increased medullary blood flow Induction of diuresis due to inhibition of Arginine vasopressin-induced aquaporin-2 incorporation into collecting ducts' apical membrane Natriuretic and diuretic effects Inhibition of cardiac remodeling (hypertrophy and fibrosis) Suppression of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation Suppression of vascular fibrosis Reduction of pulmonary hypertension/fibrosis Elevation of capillary hydraulic conductivity Decrease in cardiac preload and afterload − Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone axis − Sympathetic outflow − Arginine vasopressin − Endothelin Inhibition of growth factor-mediated hypertrophy in fibroblasts C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) primarily interacts with NPR-B, which triggers an increase in the concentration of cGMP in the cell.
This process can lead to several physiological effects, such as tissue remodeling, reduction of pulmonary hypertension and fibrosis, and stimulation of long bone growth.
[1] Studies on mice have helped researchers understand the critical role of ANP in preventing hypertension or high blood pressure.
These peptides have larger surface areas compared to smaller natural molecules, making them better suited for activating specific receptors with minimal off-target effects.
Additionally, natriuretic peptides suppress the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which controls the body's "fight or flight" response.
Animal studies show the possibility of using a vasopressin receptor antagonist along with BNP to improve heart function and blood flow.
[1]B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its pro hormone NT-proBNP are especially useful in diagnosing heart failure, as their levels in the blood increase along with the severity of the condition.
[3] Rapid testing of BNP and NT-proBNP can also help distinguish between shortness of breath due to heart and lung-related causes.
Monitoring NT-proBNP levels over time can provide important information about an individual's risk of developing heart failure or cardiovascular disease in the future.
