Natriuretic peptide system: An overview of studies using genetically engineered animal models

Abstract

The mammalian natriuretic peptide system, consisting of at least three ligands and three receptors, plays critical roles in health and disease. Examination of genetically engineered animal models has suggested the significance of the natriuretic peptide system in cardiovascular, renal and skeletal homeostasis. The present review focuses on the in vivo roles of the natriuretic peptide system as demonstrated in transgenic and knockout animal models. In addition to the effects of their actions as circulating hormones, current evidence suggests that natriuretic peptides exert local effects by acting as autocrine/paracrine hormones. The present review focuses on the new insights in the in vivo significance of the natriuretic peptide system in cardiovascular, renal and skeletal homeostasis, which have been recently revealed by genetically engineered animal models. © 2011 FEBS.