OBJECTIVES The present retrospective analysis of data derived from a population-based study examined the relationship between intake of beta-receptor antagonists and plasma concentrations of the cardiac natriuretic peptides and their second messenger. BACKGROUND Beta-receptor antagonists are widely used for treatment of cardiovascular disease. In addition to direct effects on heart rate and c...

Because the thymus expresses the natriuretic peptides (NP) as well as their respective receptors, an involvement of NP in the physiology of this organ has been suggested. To evaluate functional aspects of NP in the thymus, we looked for thymic cells bearing NP receptors (Npr). Furthermore, the regulation of Npr expression by activation of cells and the influence of NP on the proliferation of th...

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) binds to natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A), a membrane guanylyl cyclase, and to natriuretic peptide receptor-C (NPR-C), which plays a role in peptide clearance. Rat ANP (rANP) mutants that bind rat NPR-A selectively over rat NPR-C were isolated from randomized libraries of rANP-display phage by differential panning. One variant was identified with reduced N...

Thus far, three related natriuretic peptides (NPs) and three distinct sub-types of cognate NP receptors have been identified and characterized based on the specific ligand binding affinities, guanylyl cyclase activity, and generation of intracellular cGMP. Atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) specifically bind and activate guanylyl cyclase/natriuretic peptide receptor-A (GC-A/NPR...

The natriuretic peptide family consists of a number of structurally homologous but genetically distinct polypeptide mediators. The peptides are highly conserved across mammalian and invertebrate species and, in humans, are released from various tissues in response to physiological and pathological stimuli. All the peptides have at their core a 17-amino acid disulfide ring essential for receptor...

The natriuretic peptides are considered to be cardioprotective; however, their receptors have not been identified in human myocardium using radiolabeled analogs. Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP) has been recently identified as a new member of this peptide family and is thought to be less susceptible to enzymatic degradation. Therefore, we have developed the novel radiolabeled analog [125I]...

Longitudinal bone growth is determined by the process of endochondral ossification in the cartilaginous growth plate, which is located at both ends of vertebrae and long bones and involves many systemic hormones and local regulators. Natriuretic peptides organize a family of three structurally related peptides: atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-type natriuretic ...

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is involved in the arterial hypertension-associated cardiovascular remodeling. In this context, the development of cardiac fibrosis results from an imbalance between profibrotic and antifibrotic pathways, in which the role of aldosterone is yet not established. To determine the role of intracardiac aldosterone in the development of myocardial fibrosis du...

Natriuretic Peptide: A Probable Culprit in Prevention of Primary Cardiovascular Diseases Using β-Blockers To the Editor: This letter refers to “The Value of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Determining Antihypertensive Benefit: Observations From the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT)” by Welsh et al1 The 2014 evidence-based guideline for the management of high blood p...