The atrial natriuretic peptide: a changing view

The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a component of the natriuretic peptid e family, was discovered in 1981 when de Bold and his coworkers observed a natriuretic effect induced by infusion of atrial extracts in rats. Subseque ntly, an impressive amount of research has been carried out in order to ide ntify the structure of the active peptide and its receptors, to characteriz e the biological functions of ANP and its involvement in the pathophysiolog y of diseases and, finally, its direct contributory role in the pathogenesi s of some cardiovascular disorders. ANP plays a key role in the regulation of salt and water balance, as well as of blood pressure homeostasis. In add ition, ANP is involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension and heart fai lure, and exerts a cellular antiproliferative effect in the cardiovascular system. More recently, a direct contributory role of ANP in the development of hypertension and of cerebrovascular disorders has been suggested by the use of molecular genetic approaches. Therefore, our understanding of the p atho physiologic relevance of ANP has changed over time, finally leading to the identification of ANP as a potential determinant of cardiovascular dis eases, rather than as a simple marker of cardiac and vascular dysfunctions. This novel view of ANP may open interesting research pathways. (C) 2001 Li ppincott Williams & Wilkins.