Expression and control of C-type natriuretic peptide in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a member of the natriuretic peptide family mainly distributed in the central nervous system. CNP is also produced and secreted by the endothelium and inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. We have reported that endothelial damage stimulates only transiently vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in arteries due to the development of an autocrine neointimal system for CNP that modulates neointimal growth. The present study demonstrates the production and secretion of CNP in rat vascular smooth muscle cells in the absence of endothelium. In addition, these cells express atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and the natriuretic peptide receptors A, B, and C. The production and secretion of CNP in vascular smooth muscle cells is stimulated by transforming growth factor-beta, whereas basic fibroblast growth factor plays an inhibitory role. These data show that ANP and mainly CNP are coexpressed with the natriuretic peptide receptors in rat vascular smooth muscle cells. This provides evidence for a vascular natriuretic peptide autocrine system of physiological relevance in these cells.