Atrial natriuretic factor--a circulating hormone stimulated by volume loading

The cardiocytes of mammalian cardiac atria contain granules very similar to those in endocrine cells. The number of these atrial granules is related directly to salt loading and blood volume. Furthermore, crude extracts of rat atria and granule preparations have powerful natriuretic and diuretic effects. These effects are mediated by peptides identified previously as atrial natriuretic factor (ANF). The peptides are derived from a common precursor, whose structure has been elucidated recently. Although there is indirect evidence from morphological studies that at least some of these peptides may be released into the blood and function as hormones, their presence in the blood has not yet been demonstrated. Here we describe a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for ANF and its stimulation on volume loading.     

Inhibition of aldosterone production in the adrenal glomerulosa by atrial natriuretic factor

Several forms of the polypeptide atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) have been isolated recently from rat and human atria and identified; they are probably associated with the secretory granules of atrial tissue. The potent ability of ANFs to increase urine sodium content is mediated by their direct action on the kidney. We report here the high intrinsic activity of a synthetic replicate of one form of this molecule, ANF(8-33)(ref. 7), to inhibit directly basal aldosterone secretion and its ability to antagonize the stimulatory effects of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and angiotensin II (AN-II) on the secretion of aldosterone by rat adrenoglomerulosa cells in vitro. Our results suggest that ANF is of clinical importance in the management of aldosterone-dependent hypertension by modifying the adrenocortical response to endogenous ACTH and AN-II.     

Structural identification of beta- and gamma-human atrial natriuretic polypeptides

Atrial natriuretic polypeptides (ANPs) of varying chain length have been identified recently in human and rat atrial tissue. Their potent natriuretic-diuretic activities indicate their key role in the regulation of extracellular fluid volume and electrolyte balance. Furthermore, human and rat cDNAs encoding their precursor have been cloned and identified. Natriuretic-diuretic activity in human atrial extract comprises three distinct components (alpha, relative molecular mass (Mr) approximately 3,000; beta, Mr approximately 6,000; gamma, Mr approximately 13,000). However, only the 3,000-Mr peptide, alpha-human atrial polypeptide (alpha-hANP), comprising 28 amino acids, has so far been identified. We report here the purification and sequence analysis of two novel hANPs of higher Mr, beta- and gamma-hANP, both of which exhibit natriuretic and hypotensive activity. gamma-hANP, composed of 126 amino acids, carries the alpha-hANP sequence at its carboxy terminus. The identification of gamma-hANP reveals that the peptide, being the largest form of hANP, is processed directly from a 151-residue precursor by removal of a 26-residue signal peptide. In contrast, beta-hANP (56 residues) comprises an anti-parallel dimer of alpha-hANP; such a dimeric peptide possessing bioactivity has never been found in the tissue as an endogenous entity.     

mRNA sequence for human cardiodilatin-atrial natriuretic factor precursor and regulation of precursor mRNA in rat atria

The mammalian cardiac atrium has recently been shown to contain numerous peptides that exert marked effects on kidney function and vascular resistance. With one exception, the peptides have potent natriuretic and diuretic activities, and sequence similarities suggest that they may be derived from a common atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) precursor. The exception, cardiodilatin (CDD), differs from the ANF peptides in possessing potent vasorelaxant activity, but not natriuretic and diuretic activities. Here we report the cloning and sequence analysis of the cDNA for the human precursor protein (preproCDD-ANF) containing both the CDD and ANF sequences. The CDD sequence represents the N-terminal sequence preceded directly by a signal peptide, while the ANF sequence is present at the C-terminal end of the protein. Using hybridization analysis, we further show that the amount of rat preproCDD-ANF mRNA, which is synthesized selectively in the atria but not the ventricles, markedly decreases on water deprivation, suggesting that the water-electrolyte balance may be an important factor in the regulation of the expression of the preproCDD-ANF gene.     

Cloning and sequence analysis of cDNA encoding a precursor for human atrial natriuretic polypeptide

Recent identification of natriuretic-diuretic activity in peptides isolated from human and rat atrial tissue implicates them in the control of extracellular fluid volume and electrolytic homeostasis. The presence of multiple forms of the peptides ranging from 3,000 to 13,000 molecular weight (MW) suggests they may all derive from the same precursor. The established amino acid sequence of alpha-human atrial natriuretic polypeptide (alpha- hANP ), a 28-residue peptide with potent natriuretic activity, provided the means to elucidate the structure of the precursor for alpha- hANP and the gene encoding it. Here we report the cloning and sequence analysis of the cDNA of human atrial mRNA encoding a precursor of alpha- hANP . The cDNA encodes gamma-human atrial natriuretic polypeptide (gamma- hANP ) of 13,000 MW, whose C-terminal 28 amino acid residues may be processed as alpha- hANP .     

Structure of rat atrial natriuretic factor precursor deduced from cDNA sequence

The atrium of the heart contains peptides, termed atrial natriuretic factors ( ANFs ), diuretic and smooth-muscle-relaxing activities. In view of its potent effects on salt metabolism in the kidney and on vascular smooth muscle, ANF is considered to play an important part in the control of fluid volume and vascular function. Several different ANF peptides varying in size have been isolated and their amino acid sequences determined. Analysis of the sequences of the peptides suggests that they are derived by proteolysis from the same precursor. To examine this hypothesis, we have cloned cDNAs of the ANF precursor using rat atrial mRNA, determined its nucleotide sequence and deduced its amino acid sequence. The ANF precursor consists of 152 amino acid residues including a putative signal peptide sequence. This sequence contains the amino acid sequences of all the ANF peptides reported to date.     

心房钠尿肽在大鼠肾缺血-再灌注损伤中的体外抗氧化作用研究

目的：探讨心房钠尿肽在大鼠肾缺血-再灌注损伤中的体外抗氧化作用。方法：建立大鼠肾缺血-再灌注模型,测定心房钠尿肽温浴处理前后各组肾组织匀浆液中SOD活性和MDA含量变化。结果：肾组织匀浆液中MDA含量在实验组显著低于实验对照组（P值〈0．05）,SOD活性无明显变化。结论：心房钠尿肽直接清除缺血-再灌注损伤中生成的MDA,对大鼠肾缺血再灌注损伤有一定抗氧化保护作用。     

针刺对焦虑障碍大鼠作用的部分机制研究

目的：分析针刺对焦虑障碍大鼠肾上腺心房利钠肽、C型利钠肽水平和血浆皮质酮含量的影响,探讨针刺治疗焦虑障碍的部分机制.方法选取SPF级SD大鼠随机分为空白对照组、模型组、针刺组.模型组、针刺组大鼠建立慢性情绪应激刺激焦虑模型,针刺组同时针刺“内关”、“神门”,每2 d针刺1次,45 min/次,共15 d.空白对照组和模型组用相同方法固定,不做任何干预.使用高架十字迷宫观察大鼠行为学变化,计算进入开臂次数( OE)和停留时间( OT)分别占进入总次数和停留时间的百分比;ELISA法检测大鼠血浆皮质酮水平;免疫组化S-P法检测大鼠肾上腺心房利钠肽、C型利钠肽水平.结果针刺组大鼠OT值明显高于模型组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),与空白对照组之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);3组大鼠OE值之间差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).模型组大鼠浆皮质酮含量明显高于空白对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);针刺组大鼠浆皮质酮含量明显低于模型组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);针刺组与空白对照组之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).模型组大鼠肾上腺皮质和髓质中的心房利钠肽水平均低于空白对照组,C型利钠肽水平均高于空白对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);针刺组大鼠肾上腺皮髓质心房利钠肽明显高于模型组,C型利钠肽明显低于模型组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);针刺组肾上腺髓质心房利钠肽、C型利钠肽与模型组之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论针刺可通过调节外周肾上腺髓质心房利钠肽、C型利钠肽水平,进而影响血浆皮质酮释放,抑制HPA轴活性,发挥抗焦虑作用.     

Atrial natriuretic peptide causes pre-glomerular vasodilatation and post-glomerular vasoconstriction in rat kidney

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) can be extracted from rat hearts, and is found to increase fluid excretion by the kidneys when injected into test animals. The mechanism of ANP action is still unclear. ANP may reduce sodium reabsorption in the renal tubules, but it is also known that it increases the rate of glomerular filtration in the kidney, and relaxes preparations of smooth muscle, including one made from arteries that supply the kidney. To clarify its mode of action, we have studied directly the effects of semi-purified and synthetic ANP on blood vessels in the kidney of anaesthetized rats. We found that ANP causes a vasodilatation of the blood vessels which supply the glomeruli and a vasoconstriction of the arterioles which drain them. This substantiates the finding that increased filtration pressure participates in the natriuretic response.     

Inhibition of the firing of vasopressin neurons by atriopeptin

Atriopeptin, the atrial natriuretic peptide, is a circulating hormone that is released from the atria of mammalian hearts in response to volume expansion and acts upon the kidneys, adrenal glands and vasculature to regulate fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Atriopeptin is also present in the brain of the rat. Atriopeptin immunoreactive cell bodies and fibres are found in many areas known to be involved in the central regulation of the cardiovascular system, suggesting that it may be a neuromediator in the central control of fluid and electrolyte balance. The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, which contains the cell bodies of neurons that secrete vasopressin from the posterior pituitary gland, receives a dense innervation from atriopeptin-like immunoreactive fibres. We have studied the effect of atriopeptin on the electrical activity of single neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of anaesthetized rats and found that atriopeptin is a potent inhibitor of putative vasopressin neurons. Atriopeptin, which has systemic actions that oppose those of vasopressin, may act as a neuromodulator in the brain to prevent vasopressin secretion.     

Differential activation by atrial and brain natriuretic peptides of two different receptor guanylate cyclases

Alpha atrial natriuretic peptide (alpha-ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide are homologous polypeptide hormones involved in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. These two natriuretic peptides apparently share common receptors and stimulate the intracellular production of cyclic GMP as a second messenger. Molecular cloning has defined two types of natriuretic peptide receptors: the ANP-C receptor of relative molecular mass (Mr) 60-70,000 (60-70 K), which is not coupled to cGMP production and may function in the clearance of ANP and the ANP-A receptor of Mr 120-140 K, which is a membrane form of guanylate cyclase in which ligand binding to the extracellular domain activates the cytoplasmic domain of the enzyme. Here we report the cloning and expression of a second human natriuretic peptide-receptor guanylate cyclase, the ANP-B receptor. The ANP-B receptor is preferentially activated by porcine brain natriuretic peptide rather than human alpha-ANP, whereas the ANP-A receptor responds similarly to both natriuretic peptides. These observations may have important implications for our understanding of the central and peripheral control of cardiovascular homeostasis.     

A new natriuretic peptide in porcine brain

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a hormone secreted from mammalian atria, regulates the homoeostatic balance of body fluid and blood pressure. ANP-like immunoreactivity is also present in the brain, suggesting that the peptide functions as a neuropeptide. We report here identification in porcine brain of a novel peptide of 26 amino-acid residues, eliciting a pharmacological spectrum very similar to that of ANP, such as natriuretic-diuretic, hypotensive and chick rectum relaxant activities. The complete amino-acid sequence determined for the peptide is remarkably similar to but definitely distinct from the known sequence of ANP, indicating that the genes for the two are distinct. Thus, we have designated the peptide 'brain natriuretic peptide' (BNP). The occurrence of BNP with ANP in mammalian brain suggests the possibility that the physiological functions so far thought to be mediated by ANP may be regulated through a dual mechanism involving both ANP and BNP.     

Atrial natriuretic peptide inhibits angiotensin-stimulated proximal tubular sodium and water reabsorption

The discovery that atrial extracts have potent diuretic and natriuretic properties revealed a possible endocrine function of the heart in the regulation of extracellular fluid volume. Since that first report intense research activity has been directed towards determining the mechanism of action of the active atrial natriuretic polypeptides (ANP) found in these extracts. Despite these efforts it remains controversial whether the renal actions of ANP are exerted solely on the process of glomerular filtration or involve additional direct actions on tubular transport. We have investigated the possibility that atrial natriuretic polypeptides may induce natriuresis by suppression of proximal tubular sodium and water reabsorption. Using shrinking split-drop micropuncture combined with simultaneous capillary perfusion in anaesthetized rats we report that 20 nanomolar alpha-rANP (the main component of ANP in rat plasma) added to the peritubular fluid had no direct effect on proximal fluid uptake whereas picomolar angiotensin II had a marked stimulatory action as reported. The stimulatory effect of angiotensin II on fluid reabsorption was inhibited by peritubular ANP at physiological concentrations and abolished by higher concentrations of ANP. Thus at physiological concentrations ANP acts within the kidney to decrease proximal reabsorption by inhibition of angiotensin-stimulated sodium and water transport.     

Dual ion-channel regulation by cyclic GMP and cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase.

Atrial natriuretic peptide, acting through its second messenger guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), suppresses Na+ absorption across the renal inner-medullary collecting duct and increases urinary Na+ excretion. Patch clamp studies show that cGMP reduces Na+ absorption by inhibiting an amiloride-sensitive cation channel in the apical membrane. We have now examined, using the patch clamp technique, the molecular mechanisms of cGMP inhibition. Cyclic GMP directly and specifically reduced the probability of a single channel being open (open probability, Po) by 39% (inhibition constant, Ki = 7.6 x 10(-7) M) by a phosphorylation-independent mechanism. Cyclic GMP also inhibited the channel by activating cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGMP-kinase). Exogenous cGMP-kinase completely inhibited the channel by a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism. Activation of a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein by GTP-gamma-S blocked cGMP-kinase inhibition of the channel. By contrast, cGMP-kinase inhibition of Po was completely reversed by GTP-gamma-S. Taken together with the results of a previous study showing that a G protein activates the cation channel, these data indicate that cGMP-kinase and a G protein sequentially regulate the cation channel. Our results show that atrial natriuretic peptide, acting through cGMP, inhibits Na+ absorption across the inner-medullary collecting duct by a dual mechanism, and that cGMP-kinase inhibits the channel by a pathway involving a G protein.     

Cloning and sequence analysis of the cDNA for the rat atrial natriuretic factor precursor

Atrial extracts contain factors which induce potent natriuresis changes in renal haemodynamics, and relax pre-contracted vascular smooth muscle. Low-molecular-weight peptides which mimic these actions have now been purified by several groups, including ours (see accompanying paper), and higher-molecular-weight proteins with similar but less potent biological activities have also been identified and are presumed to be precursors. If released into the circulation, these peptides, collectively called atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), may play a significant part in blood-pressure homeostasis, regulation of extracellular fluid volume and as antagonists to the hypertensive effects of the renin-angiotensin system and other hormonal and neurotransmitter systems. We describe here the isolation and characterization of rat atrial cDNA clones which encode ANF. Nucleotide sequence analysis shows that auriculin corresponds to the 25 amino acids located close to the C-terminus of a 152-amino acid ANF precursor. Analysis of the in vitro translation products of precursor ANF mRNA suggests that multiple forms of the precursor may exist.     

一种与核黄素合酶α亚基具有结构相似性的板蓝根多肽的分离纯化与表征

利用离子交换色谱SP-5PW和疏水色谱POROS HP2从板蓝根鲜根水相抽提物中分离纯化多肽组分,并对其进行生化表征.获得一种达到电泳纯的多肽RIP2,其相对分子质量约为6.87 ku,等电点约为7.73,N端氨基酸序列依次为QIGEFATAPF.经数据库搜索比对,发现该多肽与核黄素合酶α亚基具有一定的同源性.细胞毒性实验表明该多肽具有一定抗病毒作用.     

运动对心钠素及其基因表达影响的研究

心钠素(Atrial Natriuretic Factor,ANF)是心肌细胞产生和分泌的一种循环激素,具有强大的利钠、利尿、舒张血管及对抗肾素血管紧张素系统等作用。运动对心钠素及其基因表达的影响主要与运动强度、运动时间和运动方式等因素有关,此外缺氧和高应激因素也会影响心钠素及其基因表达。     

Cloning and characterization of the cDNAs for human and rat corticotropin releasing factor-binding proteins.

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), is a potent stimulator of synthesis and secretion of preopiomelanocortin-derived peptides. Although CRF concentrations in the human peripheral circulation are normally low, they increase throughout pregnancy and fall rapidly after parturition. Maternal plasma CRF probably originates from the placenta, which responds to the bioactive peptide and produces the peptide and its messenger RNA. Even though CRF concentrations in late gestational maternal plasma are similar to those in rat hypothalamic portal blood and to those that can stimulate release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in vitro, maternal plasma ACTH concentrations increase only slightly with advancing gestation and remain within the normal range. Several groups have now reported the existence of a CRF-binding protein in human plasma which inactivates CRF and which has been proposed to prevent inappropriate pituitary-adrenal stimulation in pregnancy. The binding protein was recently purified from human plasma. We have now isolated and partially sequenced the binding protein, allowing us to clone and characterize its complementary DNA from human liver and rat brain. Expression of the cDNAs for human and rat binding protein in COS7 cells showed that these proteins bind CRF with the same affinity as the native human protein. Both rat and human recombinant binding proteins inhibit CRF binding to a CRF antibody and inhibit CRF-induced ACTH release by pituitary cells in vitro.     

Ghrelin is a growth-hormone-releasing acylated peptide from stomach

Small synthetic molecules called growth-hormone secretagogues (GHSs) stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary. They act through GHS-R, a G-protein-coupled receptor for which the ligand is unknown. Recent cloning of GHS-R strongly suggests that an endogenous ligand for the receptor does exist and that there is a mechanism for regulating GH release that is distinct from its regulation by hypothalamic growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). We now report the purification and identification in rat stomach of an endogenous ligand specific for GHS-R. The purified ligand is a peptide of 28 amino acids, in which the serine 3 residue is n-octanoylated. The acylated peptide specifically releases GH both in vivo and in vitro, and O-n-octanoylation at serine 3 is essential for the activity. We designate the GH-releasing peptide 'ghrelin' (ghre is the Proto-Indo-European root of the word 'grow'). Human ghrelin is homologous to rat ghrelin apart from two amino acids. The occurrence of ghrelin in both rat and human indicates that GH release from the pituitary may be regulated not only by hypothalamic GHRH, but also by ghrelin.     

Characterization of cDNA and genomic clones encoding the precursor to rat hypothalamic growth hormone-releasing factor

Growth hormone-releasing factor (GHRF) is a hypothalamic peptide which positively regulates the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone in the anterior pituitary. The amino-acid sequence of a 43-residue GHRF peptide isolated from rat hypothalamus was recently determined. Immunocytochemical techniques have been used to localize GHRF-containing cell bodies and nerve fibres largely to the medial-basal region of the rat hypothalamus. The rat has also been used extensively as an animal model to study the effects of GHRF on growth hormone synthesis and secretion and on somatic growth. To pursue questions concerning the biosynthesis of GHRF, the expression of the ghrf gene, and its regulation in the hypothalamus by neural and hormonal influences, we have now isolated and characterized both complementary DNA and genomic clones encoding rat hypothalamic GHRF. The rat ghrf gene spans nearly 10 kilobases (kb) of rat genomic DNA, contains 5 exons and encodes a 104-amino-acid precursor to the rat GHRF peptide. Comparison with previously characterized human ghrf cDNA and genomic clones has allowed patterns of conservation of amino-acid and nucleotide sequences between the human and rat GHRFs to be determined.