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Atrial natriuretic peptide in the sheep
L C Castro1, R W Lam, M G Ross
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048.
Journal of Developmental Physiology
|June 1, 1988
Summary
This study developed a radioimmunoassay to measure atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in sheep. Fetal ANP levels were significantly higher than maternal levels, aiding ANP physiology research.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) plays a crucial role in cardiovascular and fluid homeostasis.
- Understanding ANP physiology during pregnancy is essential for maternal and fetal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a radioimmunoassay for ovine ANP.
- To investigate ANP levels in maternal and fetal sheep plasma.
- To characterize ANP immunoreactivity in ovine tissues and plasma.
Main Methods:
- Developed a heterologous radioimmunoassay for ovine ANP using an antiserum against human ANP (Tor I).
- Characterized ovine ANP immunoreactivity in atrial extracts and plasma using gel filtration chromatography.
- Measured plasma ANP levels in pregnant and nonpregnant adult sheep, and in fetal sheep.
Main Results:
- Two peaks of ANP immunoreactivity were detected in ovine atrial extracts by both antisera.
- One immunoreactive ANP peak was observed in ovine plasma using the Tor I assay, versus two peaks with the Peninsula Laboratories assay.
- Fetal plasma ANP levels were significantly higher than maternal levels (188 +/- 17 vs. 48 +/- 8 pg/ml).
- Pregnant and nonpregnant adult sheep showed similar plasma ANP levels.
Conclusions:
- The developed radioimmunoassay is suitable for studying ovine ANP physiology.
- Fetal plasma ANP concentrations are significantly elevated compared to maternal levels during pregnancy.
- ANP levels do not change significantly between pregnant and nonpregnant adult sheep.