Cardiac hormone which may function as a paracrine antifibrotic factor in the heart. Also plays a key role in cardiovascular homeostasis through natriuresis, diuresis, vasorelaxation, and inhibition of renin and aldosterone secretion Specifically binds and stimulates the cGMP production of the NPR1 receptor. Binds the clearance receptor NPR3
Tissue Specificity
Brain and also in atria, but at much lower levels than ANP