NATRIURETIC PEPTIDES

natriuretic peptides: translation

Family of four peptides all sharing significant sequence homology and all act through guanylyl cyclase. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP-22) is a vasodilator and plays an important part in regulating blood pressure, renal function and volume homeostasis. It is produced by endothelial and renal cells and is considered an autocrine regulator of endothelium as well as a neuropeptide. Effects may oppose those of atrial natriuretic peptide. Receptor is natriuretic peptide receptor-B. See also brain natriuretic peptide and dendroaspis natriuretic peptide.