Endocrine Abstracts

CNP belongs to a family of peptides best known for their role in blood pressure regulation and cardiac remodeling. However CNP differs from the cardiac hormones (ANP and BNP) in showing more diverse expression and low circulating plasma concentrations. Genetic studies, as well as showing cardioprotective roles for all three hormones, have revealed a critical role for CNP in promoting linear growth in both rodents and humans. Finding that the aminoterminal bio-inactive fragment...

Despite being identified almost two decades ago, the biological roles for C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) have remained poorly elucidated. Both CNP and GC-B are highly conserved from flies and fish to humans. Recent investigations involving the disruption of the CNP gene (Nppc) or that of its GC-B receptor (Npr2) implicate a role for CNP and GC-B in bone formation and growth. Intriguingly, CNP and GC-B knock-out mouse models also exhibited pituitary growth hormone deficiency....

The local biological activity of the natriuretic peptides ANP, BNP and CNP is regulated by changes in the activity of their guanylyl cyclase (GC)-containing receptors GC-A and GC-B, by the so-called natriuretic peptide clearance receptor NPR-C and by membrane-bound ectoproteases. Activity of GCs is regulated by alterations in the extent of receptor phosphorylation. Dephosphorylation decreases natriuretic peptide-induced GC activity. This mechanism is used for desensitization i...

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) represents a key paracrine member of the natriuretic peptide family that play an important role in the regulation of vascular tone and local blood flow. CNP is found abundantly in vascular endothelial cells and it is now clear that CNP can be released from the endothelium to act on adjacent cells, both in the vessel wall and the circulation. Thus, it has been shown that CNP hyperpolarises and dilates vascular smooth muscle in the mammalian resi...