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Low-dose C-type natriuretic peptide does not affect cardiac and renal function in humans
G Barletta1, C Lazzeri, S Vecchiarino
1Istituto di Clinica Medica e Cardiologia, University of Florence School of Medicine, Italy.
Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)
|March 12, 1998
Summary
C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) infusion in humans did not alter cardiac or renal function, suggesting CNP may not act as a circulating hormone despite its known effects in animals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Renal Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) exhibits vasodilating, hypotensive, and natriuretic effects in experimental animals.
- The role of circulating CNP in human cardiac and renal function regulation remains unclear in health and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of systemically administered CNP on cardiac and renal hemodynamics, and hormonal systems in healthy human volunteers.
- To determine if CNP functions as a circulating hormone in humans.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover study involving six healthy volunteers.
- Infusion of CNP at 2 and 4 pmol/kg per minute for 1 hour each.
- Measurements included cardiac and renal hemodynamics, intrarenal sodium handling, plasma/urinary cGMP, renin, and aldosterone levels.
Main Results:
- Plasma CNP levels increased significantly (4- to 10-fold) during infusion, reaching pathophysiological levels.
- No significant changes were observed in cardiac volumes, cardiac output, arterial pressure, renal hemodynamics, or intrarenal sodium handling.
- Plasma and urinary cGMP, renin, and aldosterone levels remained unaffected by CNP infusion.
Conclusions:
- Systemic administration of CNP within the pathophysiological range does not impact systemic hemodynamics, renal function, or the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in humans.
- These findings do not support the hypothesis that CNP acts as a circulating hormone in humans.