Effects of natriuretic peptides on ventricular myocyte contraction and role of cyclic GMP signaling

Natriuretic peptides, including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) act through different receptors and at different potencies to affect cardiac myocyte function. We tested the hypothesis that these three peptides would differentially reduce cardiomyocyte function through their effects on the cyclic GMP signaling pathway. Rabbit ventricular myocytes were isolated and stimulated by electrical field stimulation. Cell function was measured using a video edge detector. ANP BNP or CNP at 10⁻⁹, 10⁻⁸, 10⁻⁷ M were added to the myocytes. Intracellular cyclic GMP was determined using a radioimmunoassay in the absence or presence of ANP, BNP or CNP. All natriuretic peptides decreased myocyte contractility in a similar concentration dependent manner. Myocyte percentage shortening was significantly decreased with all peptides at 10⁻⁷ M compared with baseline (ANP from 5.4±0.4 to 3.9±0.2%; BNP from 5.0±0.2 to 3.5±0.1%; CNP from 5.6±0.3 to 4.0±0.3%). Maximum rate of shortening and relaxation were also decreased similarly and significantly. Intracellular cyclic GMP was significantly increased in myocytes treated with ANP, BNP or CNP (Baseline 1.0±0.2, ANP 2.1±0.2, BNP 2.3±0.3, CNP 2.0±0.2 pmol/10⁵ myocytes). Furthermore, inhibition of the cyclic GMP protein kinase with KT5823 caused a reversal in the functional effects of CNP. We concluded that all natriuretic peptides had similar negative effects on ventricular myocyte function and their effects were accompanied by increased cyclic GMP. Blockade the effect of CNP by a cyclic GMP protein kinase inhibitor demonstrated that effects were mediated through the cyclic GMP signaling pathway.     

Potentiation by forskolin of both SNP- and ANP-stimulated cyclic GMP accumulation in porcine isolated palmar lateral vein.

1. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of modulation of adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) levels (by using forskolin, a direct activator of adenylyl cyclase, or rolipram, a cyclic AMP selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor) on basal and stimulated guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) levels in the porcine isolated palmer lateral vein by use of a [3H]-guanine prelabelling technique. 2. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 10(-5) - 10(-3) M) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP; 10(-8) - 10(-6) M), produced concentration-dependent increases in [3H]-cyclic GMP levels via stimulation of soluble and particulate guanylyl cyclase respectively. The SNP-stimulated [3H]-cyclic GMP response peaked after 5 min in the presence and absence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). 3. In the absence of IBMX, forskolin (3 x 10(-5) M) significantly increased [3H]-cyclic GMP levels to 118.5 +/- 8.7% of basal values (P < 0.05, n = 8), and significantly increased both the SNP- and ANP-stimulated [3H]-cyclic GMP accumulation at all concentrations of SNP and ANP used. For example, effects at the maximal SNP (10(-3) M) and ANP (10(-6) M) concentrations were: SNP: 154.7 +/- 15.4% of basal; SNP+forskolin: 191.3 +/- 14.8% of basal (P < 0.05, n = 4); ANP: 161.4 +/- 17.4% of basal; ANP+forskolin: 220.0 +/- 20.0% of basal (P < 0.05, n = 4).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Adenosine receptor-induced second messenger production in adult guinea-pig cerebellum.

1. The effects of adenosine receptor agonists on cyclic nucleotides accumulation were investigated in adult guinea-pig cerebellar slices by use of radioactive precursors. 2. Adenosine elicited a rapid and maintained increase in cyclic AMP, that was fully reversed upon addition of adenosine deaminase. Adenosine analogues stimulated cyclic AMP generation up to 40 fold with the rank order of potency: 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (0.6 microM) > 2-chloroadenosine (6 microM) > adenosine (13 microM). CGS 21680 (10 microM) elicited only a small stimulation (1.2 fold). 3. The cyclic AMP response to NECA was reversed by the 1,3-dipropylxanthine-based adenosine receptor antagonists 8-[4-[[[[(2-aminoethyl)amino]amino]carbonyl]methyl]oxy]- phenyl]-1,3-dipropylxanthine (XAC), 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) and N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]N-methyl-4-(1,3-dipropylxanthine)benzene sulphonamide (PD 115,199) with estimated apparent inhibition constants of 15, 81 and 117 nM, respectively. 4. Pretreatment with adenosine also potentiated the cyclic GMP response to sodium nitroprusside, abolishing the decline in [3H]-cyclic GMP observed with sodium nitroprusside alone, and allowing [3H]-cyclic GMP levels to be maintained for at least an additional 10 min. This potentiation was fully reversed by adenosine deaminase. 5. Adenosine analogues potentiated the sodium nitroprusside-elicited cyclic GMP generation with the rank order of potency: 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (0.7 microM) > 2-chloroadenosine (6 microM) > adenosine (42 microM). 6. NECA potentiation of cyclic GMP formation was reversed by the antagonists XAC, DPCPX and PD 115,199 with apparent inhibition constants of 17, 102 and 242 nM, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

CNP, but not ANP or BNP, relax human isolated subcutaneous resistance arteries by an action involving cyclic GMP and BKCa channels.

Natriuretic peptides play an important role in sodium regulation and blood pressure (BP) control. We examined the effects of atrial natriuetic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on human isolated resistance arteries and the mechanisms involved in vasorelaxation. Human subcutaneous resistance arteries were mounted in an isometric myograph and contracted with phenylephrine. CNP, but not ANP or BNP, relaxed arteries in a concentration dependent manner. The action of CNP was unaffected by removal of the endothelium, inhibition of nitric oxide synthase by NG-monomethyl-Larginine or inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase by 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3-alpha] quinoxalin-1-one. Blockade of cyclic GMPdependent kinase by 8- bromoguanosine- 3, 5- cyclic monophosphorothioate, Rp-isomer (Rp-8-Br-cGMPS) inhibited CNP relaxation. CNP relaxation was also inhibited by high potassium or iberiotoxin, indicating that it was due to opening of BKCa channels. Omapatrilat, a vasopeptidase inhibitor of neutral endopeptidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme, enhanced the effect of CNP and inhibited responses to Ang I. In summary, CNP, but not ANP or BNP, relaxes human resistance arteries by activating cyclic GMP-dependent kinase and BKCa. The effects of CNP are enhanced by vasopeptidase inhibition and this may contribute to the vasodilator effects of these agents in vivo. Since CNP is widely present in endothelium it may play a role in the regulation of peripheral resistance in man in physiological and pathological circumstances.     

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SUPPRESSIVE ACTIONS ON INTESTINAL ABSORPTION AND ON cGMP PRODUCTION FOR THE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE FAMILY IN DOGS

1. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the suppressive effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on net intestinal absorption were related to guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) production in the intestine. 2. We measured the plasma cGMP concentration of the arterial, jejunal and ileal venous blood after intravenous infusions of natriuretic peptides (97 pmol/ kg per min for 30 min) in anaesthetized dogs. 3. The infusion of ANP increased cGMP concentration of the aortic blood by 49.9 ± 9.0 (pmol/mL), BNP by 71.8 ± 12.3 and CNP by 5.5 ± 1.3. The increases in cGMP after ANP and BNP were larger than after CNP. The infusion of ANP increased jejunal arteriovenous differences in cGMP concentration by 69.9 ± 3.5 (pmol/mL) and ileal arteriovenous differences by 8.7 ± 3.2. In BNP infusion, the jejunal and ileal arteriovenous differences in cGMP concentration tended to increase by 15.6 ± 5.8 (pmol/mL) and by 14.8 ± 6.6 but neither were significant. CNP infusion did not change the jejunal and ileal arteriovenous differences in cGMP concentration. 4. These results suggest that, while the actions of ANP on intestinal absorption may be mediated by cGMP, those of BNP and CNP are not.     

Effects of three distinct natriuretic peptides on receptor binding and guanylate cyclase activities in rat glioma cells.

Receptor binding and cyclic GMP generation by three distinct natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP, CNP) were studied in a cultured rat glioma cell line (C6). Binding studies revealed the presence of high-affinity binding sites for three natriuretic peptides with almost comparable affinities. In contrast, CNP and BNP were almost equipotent in stimulating intracellular cyclic GMP generation over the low concentration range, but CNP caused further elevation in the high concentration range, whereas ANP was minimally effective. Our data suggest that the glioma cells possess receptors more responsive to CNP than ANP and BNP despite no apparent correlation between receptor binding affinities and cyclic GMP responses.     

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP): cardiovascular roles and potential as a therapeutic target

Natriuretic peptides play a fundamental role in cardiovascular homeostasis by modulation of fluid and electrolyte balance and vascular tone. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) represents the paracrine element of the natriuretic peptide axis which complements the endocrine actions of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). CNP is produced by the endothelium and the heart and appears to play a prominent role in vascular and cardiac function, both physiologically and pathologically. This provides a rationale for the therapeutic potential of pharmacological interventions targeted to CNP signalling. This article provides an overview of the biology and pharmacology of CNP, with emphasis on the cardiovascular system, and discusses pathologies in which drugs designed to manipulate CNP signalling maybe of clinical benefit.     

C-type natriuretic peptide inhibits rat mesangial cell proliferation by a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism

We studied the effects of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on rat cultured mesangial cell proliferation. (1) Exposure to CNP (10 nM–1 μM for 72 h) inhibited [³H]thymidine incorporation into mesangial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Atrial natriuretic peptide (1 nM–1 μM), a peptide related to CNP, also decreased [³H]thymidine incorporation into these cells in a concentration-dependent manner. (2) Both CNP (10 nM-1 μM) and atrial natriuretic peptide (10 nM-1 μM) also decreased mesangial cell number. (3) The cyclic GMP analog, 8-bromo-cyclic GMP (100 μM and 1 mM), mimicked the inhibitory effects of CNP and atrial natriuretic peptide on [³H]thymidine incorporation into mesangial cells, whereas inhibitors of protein kinase C, protein kinase A, and protein kinase G reduced the effect of both natriuretic peptides. Moreover, the phoshpatase inhibitor, calyculin A, increased [³H]thymidine incorporation into mesangial cells. (4) CNP and atrial natriuretic peptide decreased interleukin-1-, interleukin-6-, platelet derived growth factor-, angiotensin II-induced [³H]thymidine incorporation into mesangial cells. These results suggest that CNP exerts inhibitory effects on mesangial cell proliferation and that this effects depend on protein phosphorylation pathways. Received: 17 March 1997 / Accepted: 29 August 1997     

Adenosine A2B-receptor-mediated cyclic AMP accumulation in primary rat astrocytes.

1. The effects of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists on the accumulation of cyclic AMP have been investigated in primary cultures of rat astrocytes. 2. Adenosine A2-receptor stimulation caused a concentration-dependent increase in the accumulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP in cells prelabelled with [3H]-adenine. The rank order of agonist potencies was 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA; EC50 = 1 microM) > adenosine (EC50 = 5 microM) > 2-chloroadenosine (EC50 = 20 microM) >> CGS 21680 (EC50 > 10 microM). The presence of 0.5 microM dipyridamole, an adenosine uptake blocker, had no effect on the potency of adenosine. 3. The response to 10 microM NECA was antagonized in a concentration-dependent manner by the non-selective adenosine receptor antagonists, xanthine amine congener (apparent KD = 12 nM), PD 115,199 (apparent KD = 134 nM) and 8-phenyltheophylline (apparent KD = 126 nM). However, the A1-receptor-selective antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, had no significant effect on the responses to NECA or 2-chloroadenosine at concentrations up to 1 microM. 4. Stimulation of A1-receptors with the selective agonist, N6-cyclopentyladenosine, did not alter the basal accumulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP but inhibited a forskolin-mediated elevation of [3H]-cyclic AMP accumulation by a maximal value of 42%. This inhibition was fully reversed in the presence of 0.1 microM, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine. 5. The time course for NECA-mediated [3H]-cyclic AMP accumulation was investigated. The results suggest that there is a substantial efflux of cyclic AMP from the cells in addition to the rapid and sustained elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP (5 fold over basal) which was also observed. 6. These data indicate that rat astrocytes in primary culture express an A2B-adenosine receptor coupled positively to adenylyl cyclase. Furthermore, the presence of A1-receptors negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase appears to have no significant effect on the A2B-receptor-mediated cyclic AMP responses to NECA and 2-chloroadenosine.     

Coupling of metabotropic glutamate receptors to phosphoinositide mobilisation and inhibition of cyclic AMP generation in the guinea-pig cerebellum.

1. The effects of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonists on cyclic nucleotide and phosphoinositide turnover were investigated in adult guinea-pig cerebellar slices by use of radioactive precursors. 2.L-Glutamate, 1-aminocyclopentane-1S,3R-dicarboxylate (1S,3R-ACPD) and RS-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) evoked concentration-dependent increases in the accumulation of [3H]-inositol phosphates with pEC50 values of 2.98 +/- 0.02, 4.45 +/- 0.06 and 4.47 +/- 0.07, respectively. Maximal responses to these agents were 43 +/- 8, 52 +/- 12 and 84 +/- 11% of the response to 1 mM histamine, respectively. 3. The phosphoinositide response to 1S,3R-ACPD was antagonized in the presence of (+)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine, with a calculated pKi value of 3.55 +/- 0.03. 4. Forskolin-stimulated accumulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP was not significantly altered in the presence of 10 microM DCG-IV or 300 microM 1S,3R-ACPD. Similarly, 300 microM 1S,3R-ACPD failed to alter isoprenaline-(1 microM) or 2-chloroadenosine (2-CA, 30 microM)-stimulated accumulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP. 5. Forskolin-stimulated accumulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP was concentration-dependently inhibited in the presence of L-glutamate and L-serine-O-phosphate (L-SOP) with pIC50 values of 2.91 +/- 0.17 and 2.86 +/- 0.04 with maximal inhibitions of 47 +/- 2 and 92 +/- 3%, respectively. L-2-Amino-4-phosphonobuty-rate (L-AP4) inhibited the forskolin response without saturating, evoking an inhibition of 71 +/- 7% at 3 mM. 6. 2-CA-evoked accumulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP was also inhibited by L-glutamate and L-SOP with pIC50 values of 2.71 +/- 0.03 and 2.72 +/- 0.08 and maximal inhibitions of 51 +/- 5 and 99 +/- 0%, respectively. L-AP4 inhibited the 2-CA response without saturating, evoking an inhibition of 68 +/- 1% at 3 mM. 7. Isoprenaline-evoked accumulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP was inhibited by L-glutamate and L-SOP with pIC50 values of 3.21 +/- 0.01 and 2.96 +/- 0.08 and maximal inhibitions of 88 +/- 2 and 93 +/- 3%, respectively. 8. These results suggest that the guinea-pig cerebellum expresses Group I and Group III mGluRs coupled to phosphoinositide turnover and inhibition of cyclic AMP generation, respectively.     

Nitric oxide donors enhance calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced elevations of cyclic AMP in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Vasorelaxant effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are dependent on endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) in some arteries. The mechanism involved is still not clear. In the present study, we used NO donors (sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and 6-(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-nitrisohydrazino)-N-methyl-1-hyxanamine (NOC-9)), cyclic GMP elevator (brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)) and a selective type III (cyclic GMP-inhibited) phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor 5-(4-acetamidophenyl)pyrazin-2(1H)-one (SK&F94120) to investigate involvement of NO, cyclic GMP and type III PDE in CGRP-induced accumulation of cyclic AMP in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells. SNP (10 microM), NOC-9 (10 microM) and BNP (1 microM) all increased intracellular cyclic GMP to similar levels (2- to 2.5-fold above basal) and caused significant enhancement of CGRP (10 nM)-induced cyclic AMP accumulation similar to that caused by 10 microM SK&F 94120. The data are therefore consistent with our hypothesis that the mechanism of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation effect of CGRP involves cyclic GMP-mediated inhibition of type III PDE and subsequent accumulation of cyclic AMP in smooth muscle cells.     

A comparison of A2 adenosine receptor-induced cyclic AMP generation in cerebral cortex and relaxation of pre-contracted aorta.

1. A comparative study was carried out between the adenosine receptor mediating a stimulation of cyclic AMP formation in guinea-pig cerebral cortical slices with the adenosine receptor mediating relaxation of phenylephrine precontracted guinea-pig aortic rings. 2. [3H]-cyclic AMP accumulation in [3H]-adenine-prelabelled guinea-pig cerebral cortical slices was stimulated by adenosine and its analogues with the following EC50 values (microM): 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (3.1 +/- 0.3) > 2-chloroadenosine (10 +/- 2) > adenosine (109 +/- 15). 3. 2-Chloroadenosine and adenosine elicited maximal responses for [3H]-cyclic AMP accumulation that were 100 +/- 7 and 71 +/- 6% of the maximal response to 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, respectively. CGS 21680 (100 microM) and DPMA (100 microM) elicited -2 +/- 2 and 12 +/- 3% of the response to 100 microM 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine. 4. Estimation of antagonist potencies at the A2 adenosine receptor of cerebral cortex showed a rank order of potency (K1, nM): xanthine amino congener (35 +/- 3) > 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (130 +/- 22) > PD 115,199 (407 +/- 82) > 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (13 +/- 2 microM). 5. Adenosine analogues produced long-lasting relaxation of phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings with the following rank order of potency (EC50 values, microM): 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (0.68 +/- 0.06) > 2-chloroadenosine (4.3 +/- 0.6) > adenosine (104 +/- 13). Maximal relaxations elicited by these agents were 71 +/- 3, 98 +/- 1, and 100 +/- 1%, respectively. CGS 21680 and DPMA at 100 microM elicited smaller relaxations of the precontracted tissues (12 +/- 2 and 43 +/- 15%, respectively). 6. Antagonism by xanthine derivatives of the 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine-induced relaxation of aortic rings showed the following rank order of potency (Ki, nM): xanthine amino congener (17 +/- 4) > 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (171 +/- 36) > PD 115,199 (341 +/- 64) > 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (5520 +/- 820).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Inhibition of histamine-stimulated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis by agents which increase cyclic AMP levels in bovine tracheal smooth muscle.

1. The effect on histamine-stimulated [3H]-inositol phosphate accumulation of a range of agents which increase the accumulation, or mimic the actions, of cyclic AMP has been investigated in bovine tracheal smooth muscle. 2. Salbutamol (1 microM), forskolin (1 microM) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP, 1 microM) inhibited the inositol phosphate response to 0.1 mM histamine and increased the accumulation of [3H]-cyclic AMP in [3H]-adenine-labelled slices of bovine tracheal smooth muscle. The effect on inositol phospholipid hydrolysis was mimicked by the membrane permeant analogues of cyclic AMP, dibutrylcyclic AMP (1 mM) and 8-bromo-cyclic AMP (1 mM). 3. In contrast to salbutamol, which was equally effective at producing the two effects, forskolin produced large increases in [3H]-cyclic AMP accumulation (EC50 = 1.2 microM) at much higher concentrations than those required for inhibition of histamine-stimulated [3H]-inositol phosphate accumulation (EC50 = 0.09 microM). However, significant increases in [3H]-cyclic AMP accumulation, of similar magnitude to those obtained with salbutamol and VIP, were observed over the concentration range appropriate for inhibition of the inositol phosphate response to histamine. 4. In the presence of histamine (0.1 mM), isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX, 1 mM) and rolipram (0.1 mM) both significantly (P less than 0.05) elevated tissue [3H]-cyclic AMP levels. IBMX, rolipram and (to a lesser extent) SKF 94120 significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced histamine-stimulated [3H]-inositol phosphate accumulation by 81%, 68% and 20%, respectively. M&B 22948 was without a significant effect on either [3H]-cyclic AMP or histamine-induced [3H]-inositol phosphate accumulation. 5. Both rolipram and forskolin reduced the increase in incorporation of [3H]-inositol into membrane phospholipids which followed stimulation with histamine. However, a significant inhibition of [3H]-inositol phosphate accumulation could be demonstrated under conditions in which there was no change in the level of [3H]-inositol incorporation.     

Modulation of cyclic AMP formation by putative metabotropic receptor agonists.

1. The effects of various metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists on [3H]-cyclic AMP accumulation and phosphoinositide hydrolysis were investigated in guinea-pig cerebral cortical slices prelabelled with [3H]-adenine or [3H]-inositol. 2. 1-Aminocyclopentane-1S,3R-dicarboxylate (1S,3R-ACPD), L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoate (L-AP4) and (2S,3S,4S)-alpha-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycine (L-CCG-I), elicited concentration-dependent inhibitions of forskolin-stimulated [3H]-cyclic AMP accumulation, with IC50 values of 2.1 +/- 0.3, 71 +/- 17 and 0.2 +/- 0.1 microM respectively. 3. 1S,3R-ACPD and L-CCG-I increased the cyclic AMP responses to histamine H2 receptor stimulation with EC50 values of 7 +/- 2 microM and 19 +/- 2 microM respectively. 1S,3R-ACPD (EC50 values 17 +/- 2 microM) and L-CCG-I (EC50 value 15 +/- 3 microM) potentiated the cyclic AMP responses to the adenosine receptor agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA, 10 microM). This potentiating effect of L-CCG-I was reduced in the presence of a protein kinase C inhibitor, and also in the absence of extracellular calcium. In contrast, L-AP4 inhibited the NECA response in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 120 +/- 20 microM. 4. L-AP4 (at concentrations up to 1 mM) failed to stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis in guinea-pig cerebral cortical slices, but both 1S,3R-ACPD (EC50 value 35 +/- 6 microM) and L-CCG-I (approximately 160 microM) elicited concentration-dependent stimulations of phosphoinositide turnover. 5. These results confirm the existence of at least two distinct subtypes of metabotropic receptor in guinea-pig cortex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Stimulatory effects of brain natriuretic peptide on cyclic GMP accumulation and tyrosine hydroxylase activity in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells

Summary We studied the effect of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on the accumulation of cyclic GMP and the phosphorylation and activity of tyrosine hydroxylase, compared with that of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells. 1. BNP as well as ANP increased cellular cyclic GMP accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner (10–1000 nmol/1). BNP (1 mol/1) and ANP (1 mol/1) produced a 60-fold and 30-fold increase in cyclic GMP accumulation, respectively. 2. The stimulatory effects of BNP and ANP on cyclic GMP accumulation were observed even when Ca²⁺ or Na⁺ was removed from the incubation medium. 3. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), an activator of protein kinase C, inhibited the stimulatory effect of BNP on cyclic GMP accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner (1–100 nmol/1). Furthermore, the BNP-induced accumulation of cyclic GMP was attenuated by forskolin (1 mol/1), an activator of adenylate cyclase. 4. BNP (1 mol/1) and ANP (1 mol/1) caused a significant increase in phosphorylation and activity of tyrosine hydroxylase in the cells. 5. In digitonin-permeabilized cells, cyclic GMP (1–100 mol/1) activated tyrosine hydroxylase in the presence of ATP and Mg²⁺.These results suggest that BNP stimulates the accumulation of cyclic GMP in a manner similar to that of ANP. The increased accumulation of cyclic GMP by these peptides may be negatively modulated by protein kinase C and cyclic AMP and may cause the phosphorylation and activation of tyrosine hydroxylase-in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells.     

Negative functional effects of natriuretic peptides are attenuated in hypertrophic cardiac myocytes by reduced particulate guanylyl cyclase activity

We tested the hypothesis that the negative functional effects of natriuretic peptides would be blunted in thyroxine (T4)-induced hypertrophic cardiac myocytes. We also studied the causes of these changes. Ventricular myocytes were obtained from control (n=8) and T4 (0.5 mg/kg/16 days) treated rabbit hearts (n=7). Cell shortening parameters were studied with a video edge detector. We also determined particulate (pGC) and soluble (sGC) guanylyl cyclase activity and cyclic GMP levels. Myocyte function was examined at baseline and after brain natriuretic peptide (BNP 10(-7,-6) M) or C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP 10(-7,-6) M) or zaprinast (cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor 10(-6)M) followed by BNP or CNP. Baseline function was similar in control and T4 myocytes. BNP (5.7 +/- 0.2 to 4.3 +/- 0.1%) and CNP (5.7 +/- 0.4 to 4.2 +/- 0.2%) significantly reduced percent shortening in control myocytes. These reductions were not observed with T4 (BNP, 5.7 +/- 0.6 to 5.6 +/- 0.6; CNP, 5.6 +/- 0.4 to 5.5 +/- 0.5). BNP and CNP responded similarly after zaprinast. Baseline cyclic GMP was similar in control and T4, but BNP only increased cyclic GMP in controls. The activity of pGC was similar at baseline in control and T4, but the stimulated activity was significantly lower in T4 myocytes. Both basal and stimulated sGC activity were similar in control and hypertrophic myocytes. These results demonstrated that the ability of natriuretic peptides to reduce ventricular myocyte function was blunted in T4 hypertrophic myocytes. This blunted response was related to the reduced ability of natriuretic peptides to increase cyclic GMP levels due to a reduced stimulated particulate guanylyl cyclase activity.     

Type B and type C natriuretic peptide receptors modulate intraocular pressure in the rabbit eye

We investigated (1) the in vivo functional significance of the type B (ANP_B) and type C (ANP_C) natriuretic peptide receptors in the rabbit eye by evaluating the effect of intracameral administration of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and C-ANP-(4–23) on intraocular pressure, and (2) the action of CNP on guanylate cyclase activity in the rabbit ciliary process membranes. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were also studied for comparison. We demonstrated that the natriuretic peptides decrease intraocular pressure and stimulate guanylate cyclase activity, CNP being the most potent. The duration of the effect of C-ANP-(4–23) on intraocular pressure reduction was almost 9-fold that of the BNP and 20-fold that of ANP and CNP effect. This ligand increased threefold the immunoreactive natriuretic peptides levels in aqueous humour. Our data demonstrate the presence of functional ANP_A and ANP_B receptors in the rabbit eye and that the ANP_C receptor modulates the concentration of the natriuretic peptides in the aqueous humour.     

Vascular natriuretic peptide receptor-linked particulate guanylate cyclases are modulated by nitric oxide-cyclic GMP signalling

(1) The sensitivity of the particulate guanylate cyclase-cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) system to atrial (ANP) and C-type (CNP) natriuretic peptides was investigated in aortae and mesenteric small arteries from wild-type (WT) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) knockout (KO) mice. (2) ANP and CNP produced concentration-dependent relaxations of mouse aorta that were significantly attenuated by the natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR)-A/B antagonist HS-142-1 (10(-5) M). Both ANP and CNP were more potent in aortae from eNOS KO mice compared to WT. (3) The potency of ANP and CNP in aortae from WT animals was increased in the presence of the NOS inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (3 x 10(-4) M) and the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolol[4,3,a]quinoxalin-1-one (5 x 10(-6) M). (4) In contrast, the potency of ANP and CNP in aortae from eNOS KO animals was reduced following pretreatment of tissues with supramaximal concentrations of the NO-donor, glyceryl trinitrate (3 x 10(-5) M, 30 min) or ANP (10(-7) M, 30 min). (5) Responses to acetylcholine in aortae from WT mice (dependent on the release of endothelium-derived NO) were significantly reduced following pretreatment of tissues with GTN (3 x 10(-5) M, 30 min) and ANP (10(-7) M, 30 min). (6) CNP and the NO-donor, spermine-NONOate caused concentration-dependent relaxations of mesenteric small arteries from WT animals that were significantly increased in eNOS KO mice compared to WT. ANP was unable to significantly relax mesenteric arteries from WT or eNOS KO animals. (7) In conclusion, both NPR-A- and NPR-B-linked pGC pathways are modulated by NO-cGMP in murine aorta and mesenteric small arteries and crossdesensitisation occurs between NPR subtypes. The biological activity of endothelium-derived NO is also influenced by the ambient concentration of NO and natriuretic peptides. Such an autoregulatory pathway may represent an important physiological homeostatic mechanism and link the paracrine activity of NO and CNP with the endocrine functions of ANP and BNP in the regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure.     

The effects of angiotensin II on circulating levels of natriuretic peptides.

We have evaluated the differential release of A, B and C-type natriuretic peptides in response to incremental doses of angiotensin II (2, 4 and 6 ng kg-1 min-1). Baseline plasma concentrations of ANP (5.99 +/- 0.74 pmol 1-1) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than BNP (1.53 +/- 0.48 pmol 1-1) or CNP (0.41 +/- 0.11 pmol 1-1). Angiotensin II infusion caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in plasma ANP to 53.76 +/- 17.3 pmol 1-1 at 6 ng kg-1 min-1. Plasma concentrations of BNP and CNP were not significantly affected by angiotensin II. Arterial blood pressures and systemic vascular resistance increased (P < 0.001) in response to angiotensin II infusion. Thus, ANP, unlike BNP or CNP, is released acutely in response to the pressor stimulus of angiotensin II. This may represent a dissociation in release of the natriuretic peptides, in terms of short and long term responses to activation of the renin-angiotensin system.