ANP now belongs to a family of natriureteic peptides that also includes BNP (brain
natriuretic peptide) and CNP (C-type natriuretic peptide). BNP and CNP have different
N- and C-termini to ANP. CNP has a shorter N-terminal than either ANP or BNP. CNP
has less natriuretic and diuretic activity than ANP or BNP.
ANP receptors have been isolated and characterized. Three receptor subtypes,
termed ANP A , ANP B , and ANP C , have been described. The ANP A receptor is a 120 kDa
protein with ANP and BNP as its primary ligands; the ANP B receptor has CNP as its
primary ligand. The ANP A and ANP B receptors are coupled to guanylyl cyclase; the
ANP C receptor is not.
The natriuretic peptides have a short t 1/2 when administered systemically. They are
rapidly metabolized by the neutral endopeptidase (NEP) enzyme. When ANP is administered, there is a prompt and profound increase in urine flow and sodium excretion,
HORMONES AND THEIR RECEPTORS
377
natriuretic peptide) and CNP (C-type natriuretic peptide). BNP and CNP have different
N- and C-termini to ANP. CNP has a shorter N-terminal than either ANP or BNP. CNP
has less natriuretic and diuretic activity than ANP or BNP.
ANP receptors have been isolated and characterized. Three receptor subtypes,
termed ANP A , ANP B , and ANP C , have been described. The ANP A receptor is a 120 kDa
protein with ANP and BNP as its primary ligands; the ANP B receptor has CNP as its
primary ligand. The ANP A and ANP B receptors are coupled to guanylyl cyclase; the
ANP C receptor is not.
The natriuretic peptides have a short t 1/2 when administered systemically. They are
rapidly metabolized by the neutral endopeptidase (NEP) enzyme. When ANP is administered, there is a prompt and profound increase in urine flow and sodium excretion,
HORMONES AND THEIR RECEPTORS
377
