Mouse astrocytes possess specific ANP receptors which are linked to cGMP production

1. Receptors for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) have been identified on mouse astrocytes in primary culture, and have similar characteristics to those found on previously recognized ANP-target tissues. 2. Scatchard analysis revealed one class of high affinity receptors with a Kd of 0.32 nmol/L. The IC50 for specific binding was 0.5 nmol/L. 3. Ligand binding resulted in stimulation of guanylate cyclase. 4. Under reducing conditions, the covalently cross-linked receptor-ANP complex migrated on SDS-polyacrylamide gels as a single band with an apparent molecular weight of 66 kDa. 5. Although the physiological relevance of our observations remains to be determined, these data document that cultured mouse astrocytes contain specific high-affinity ANP receptors which are linked to the production of cGMP.