Natriuretic peptides

Abstract

Peptide hormones belonging to the natriuretic peptide (NP) family play an important role in maintaining cardiac and renal function by regulating fluid volume, pressure, and sodium concentration. The principal members of this family are atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP); urodilatin (URO); brain natriuretic peptide (BNP); and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). The physiologic effects of these molecules generally lead to vasodilation, natriuresis, and diuresis, and regulate sodium and water homeostasis, rendering them promising candidates for potential therapeutic use in cardiovascular and renal dysfunction. This chapter reviews the biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacologic potential of the major natriuretic peptides, with particular emphasis on their clinical importance in the treatment of acute heart failure syndrome (AHFS). © 2008 Springer-Verlag London.