Atrial Natriuretic Peptide/ANP: Proteins and Enzymes

Atrial Natriuretic peptide (ANP) is synthesized as a 151 aa preproprotein. The proprotein contains cardiodilatin (aa 26 - 92) and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF; aa 124 - 151) which become active after processing by the serine protease corin. ANP is primarily synthesized in the heart and is secreted in response to atrial distention. ANF circulates in the plasma, eliciting natriuretic, diuretic, vasorelaxant and antimitogenic effects directed toward reduction of body fluid and blood pressure regulation. ANF acts through the cGMP-coupled NP receptor A. Human ANP and ANF share 84% and 96% aa identity with mouse ANP and ANF, respectively.