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Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)
Related Subjects: |Water Physiology |Sodium Physiology |Potassium Physiology |Aldosterone Physiology |Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) |Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)
💡 Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP): A peptide hormone that acts as a vasodilator 🫀, diuretic 💧, and natriuretic (Na⁺-excreting) agent. It suppresses sympathetic tone and the RAAS, playing a key role in blood pressure and fluid balance regulation.
📍 About
- Source: Secreted mainly by atrial myocytes (RA > LA) in response to stretch/↑ blood volume. Ventricles contribute in severe overload (HF).
- Structure: 28-amino acid peptide, acts via ↑ intracellular cGMP.
- Degradation: Broken down by neutral endopeptidases.
⚙️ Effects
- Renal:
- ↑ GFR by dilating afferent & constricting efferent arterioles.
- ↓ Na⁺ reabsorption (via ENaC inhibition in distal nephron).
- ↑ Diuresis + natriuresis → ↓ circulating volume.
- Vascular: Potent vasodilation → ↓ systemic vascular resistance & BP.
- Systemic: Suppresses sympathetic activity + RAAS. Regulates Na⁺, K⁺, fluid & adipose metabolism.
🧬 Mechanism of Action
- ANP binds to natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A).
- Activates guanylyl cyclase → ↑ cGMP →
- Relaxed vascular smooth muscle.
- Inhibition of Na⁺ reabsorption in renal tubules.
- ↓ Aldosterone secretion (adrenal cortex).
🩺 Clinical Relevance
- Elevated ANP: Seen in hypervolemia → Heart Failure ❤️, CKD, Liver Cirrhosis (ascites).
- Marker: ANP & BNP are used as biomarkers of HF severity & fluid overload.
- Exam Pearl: BNP is more commonly measured, but both rise in HF → helpful in dyspnoea differentials.
💊 Uses
- ANP analogues/related drugs under study for:
- Acute decompensated heart failure.
- Refractory hypertension.
- Renal disorders with volume overload.
📝 References
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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