| Modification Notes |
The natriuretic peptides are a group of structurally similar peptides that are genetically distinct and play a role in several processes, including cardiovascular, renal and endocrine homeostasis. The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are derived from myocardial cell origin and are cardiac hormones secreted from the atrium and ventricle of the heart, respectively. The C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is derived from endothelial cell origin and acts as an endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). These peptides mediate their effects through three receptors. NPR-A (also designated GC-A) binds both ANP and BNP, which stimulates 3’, 5’-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) to mediate natriuresis, vasodilation, renin inhibition, antimitogenesis and lusitropic properties. NPR-B (also designated GC-B) binds CNP and also stimulates cGMP to facilitate vasodilation and growth inhibition. NPR-C, also designated the ‘clearance’ receptor, clears all three peptides, which are subsequently degraded by the ectoenzyme neutral endopeptidase. The natriuretic peptide system plays an important role in hypertension, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis and renal diseases, and may be a therapeutic target in the treatment of these diseases. |
