natriuretic peptide

views updated May 11 2018

natriuretic peptide Any of several peptide hormones that promote the excretion of sodium ions in the urine (i.e. natriuresis). The first to be discovered was atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), which is produced by an upper chamber (atrium) of the heart. Others include brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), produced in the central nervous system, and type C natriuretic peptide (CNP).

natriuretic peptide

views updated May 21 2018

natriuretic peptide n. any of several peptides that stimulate diuresis and vasodilatation. They act on the kidney tubules to promote excretion of sodium (natriuresis) and water. atrial n. p. (ANP) a peptide produced in the atria of the heart in response to a rise in atrial pressure. brain n. p. (BNP) a peptide produced in the brain and the ventricles of theheart, mainly in response to stretching of the ventricular muscle (as occurs in congestive heart failure). See BNP (test).

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