Effects of atrial natriuretic peptide in the gut

The intestinal tract is a target organ for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) , characterized by various biologic activities, immunoreactivity, as well a s specific binding sites for ANP. A review of previous studies reveals that ANP is an important regulator of water and nutrient intake, which acts via multiple signaling pathways including activation of guanylyl cyclase to pr oduce its biologic responses. As a regulator, the peptide locally controls hydrosaline balance and acute systemic effects. Therefore, ANP could also a ct as a local mediator or paracrine effector of intestinal function. (C) 20 00 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.