Organ-specific mRNA distribution of C-type natriuretic peptide in neonataland adult mice

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is described as an endothelium-derived vas odilator and a growth inhibitor of vascular smooth muscle cells. In the pre sent study, CNP mRNA was quantified by RNase-protection assay to elucidate organ distribution of CNP in neonatal and adult mice. In adult mice, the hi ghest CNP expressions were detected in uterus and ovary, which exceeded the CNP concentrations of forebrain and brainstem. In contrast, neonatal mice showed highest CNP-mRNA levels in forebrain and brainstem with lower levels in skin, tongue, heart, lung, thymus, skeletal muscle, liver, kidney, stom ach, and skull. Thus, CNP-expression pattern diminishes during postnatal de velopment. The observation that the expression level of CNP mRNA is 2.2-fol d higher in the adult forebrain compared to the neonatal forebrain allows a comparison between all neonatal and adult organs. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scienc e B.V. All rights reserved.