Atrial, brain, and C-type natriuretic peptides of the atrial natriuret
ic peptide family are present in adrenal chromaffin cells, and are sec
reted with catecholamines by exocytosis. These peptides modulate the p
hysiological functions of the cells such as synthesis and secretion of
catecholamines in an autocrine manner interacting with natriuretic pe
ptide receptors. (C) 1998 Eisevier Science Inc.