Endocrine Abstracts

Natriuretic peptides are a family of vasoactive mediators that play fundamental roles in the regulation of blood volume, blood pressure and cardiac integrity. The physiological and pathological functions of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the context of cardiovascular homeostasis are well-characterised. There is much less clarity with respect to C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) which, in contrast to its cardiac-derived siblings, is predominantly synthesised and released from vascular endothelial cells. Over the last 10 years, our work has focused on defining the key cardiovascular processes that are governed by endothelium-derived CNP in health and disease. Using both pharmacological and genetic interventions, a multi-faceted vasoprotective profile of CNP has been established, comprising regulation of vascular tone and local blood flow, maintenance of blood vessel morphology, the reactivity of leukocytes and platelets, and protection against ischaemia–reperfusion injury. In accord, loss of CNP bioactivity precipitates endothelial dysfunction, vasoconstriction and hyperreactivity of circulating cells. Thus, the paracrine effects of CNP, released by the vascular endothelium, appear to complement the endocrine activity of ANP and BNP to coordinate numerous aspects of cardiovascular physiology and pathology.