Atrial Natriuretic Peptide

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) stimulates vasodilation, fluid egress, increased glomerular filtration and salt and water excretion, and blocks the release and/or actions of several hormones, including angiotensin II, aldosterone and vasopressin. ANP levels are commonly elevated in situations of excessive fluid volume or hypertension, and the hormone may be important in combatting these states. ANP is derived from a precursor protein produced by the cardiac atrium and at lower levels by other tissues. Two classes of ANP receptors present in vascular, renal and other tissues are linked respectively, to either guanylate cyclase and possibly other second messengers, or to ANP clearance. ANP shows promise as an agent to treat heart failure, renal failure and fluid excess states.