[Use of natriuretic peptides in clinical practice]

Due to its physiological and pharmacological action ANF could be an ideal diuretic and vasorelaxation product in the treatment of oedema and essential hypertension. Experimental and clinical investigations in oedematous conditions revealed a very slight diuretic and natriuretic effect of ANF, as compared with healthy subjects. This is due to the reduced renal perfusion pressure, the increased RAAS activity, enzymatic degradation of ANF by endopeptidase and also its inactivation via C-receptors. Moreover the use of ANF is very limited due to its short half-life and peptide structure. In recent years therefore new possibilities are sought how to influence the metabolism of endogenous ANF and thus increase its activity. Neutral endopeptidase inhibitors (NEP) inhibit ANF degradation, increase thus its plasma level and in cardiac weakntlakess have a marked diuretic and natriuretic effect. The administration of NEP inhibitors in patients with essential hypertension did not reveal so far an adequate effect on blood pressure. Inhibitors of C-receptors potentiate also the effect of endogenous ANF. In experiments they enhance Na excretion and lead to a drop of blood pressure. Recently another natriuretic peptide was detected--urodilatine. In experimental and clinical studies in cardiac failure urodilatine administration leads to an increase of diuresis and natriuresis greater than after ANF. Haemodynamic effects after urodilatine are also greater than after ANF whereby urodilatine does not cause reflex tachycardia and is resistant to peptidase degradation. Its therapeutic administration is a new perspective in the treatment of oedematous conditions and essential hypertension.