Handbook of Hormones | 2021
Natriuretic peptide family
Abstract
Abstract The natriuretic peptide (NP) family consists of the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and the C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). CNP is further classified into four types (CNP1–4) and the ventricular natriuretic peptide (VNP) is found in some early ray-finned fish and primitive teleosts. All NPs have a 17-aa intramolecular ring structure, and bind to guanylyl cyclase (GC) receptors (natriuretic peptide receptors: NPRs) with different affinities. ANP, BNP, and VNP are cardiac hormones, and bind to NPR-A/GC-A to induce strong natriuresis/diuresis and vasodilation while inhibiting thirst and intestinal NaCl uptake. CNPs are mainly expressed in the brain and act as paracrine/autocrine factors. Peripheral CNPs induce endochondral ossification via NPR-B/GC-B. NPs also bind to the GC-deficient clearance receptor (NPR-C) that removes NPs from circulation. ANP and BNP are important targets for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. CNP or NPR-B knockout mice show severe dwarfism.