Natriuretic Peptides

Natriuretic peptides play a major role
in the RAAS system

Natriuretic peptides are a family of naturally occurring peptides that play a major role in down-regulating the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system: they regulate circulatory homeostasis, induce natriuresis and vasodilatation.

Three major natriuretic peptides have been discovered:

• atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)- secreted largely by the atria
• brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) - produced by the ventricles
• C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP)- located in peripheral blood vessels.

References

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• Ee Lemos, JA. et al. Lancet 362, 316 (2005)