A cardiac hormone released on atrial stretch that lowers blood volume and pressure.
Also known as: ANP · ANF · NPPA
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a 28-residue cardiac hormone secreted by the atria in response to stretch. Encoded by NPPA, it signals through the NPR-A guanylyl-cyclase receptor to promote sodium and water excretion, vasodilation and reduced blood volume. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Secreted by cardiac atria; encoded by the NPPA gene
Primary research or clinical context: Cardiovascular and fluid-balance physiology research
Release and signaling
ANP is stored as proANP in atrial granules and cleaved to the active 28-residue form when atrial wall stretch signals volume overload. It binds natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A), raising cGMP to trigger renal sodium excretion and smooth-muscle relaxation.
Physiological role
By opposing the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, ANP helps defend against extracellular volume expansion and hypertension. It also limits cardiac hypertrophy and vascular remodeling, and its measurement is used in cardiovascular research alongside BNP.
FAQ about Atrial natriuretic peptide
What is Atrial natriuretic peptide?+
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a 28-residue cardiac hormone secreted by the atria in response to stretch. Encoded by NPPA, it signals through the NPR-A guanylyl-cyclase receptor to promote sodium and water excretion, vasodilation and reduced blood volume. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Is Atrial natriuretic peptide an approved medicine?+
Atrial natriuretic peptide is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Cardiovascular and fluid-balance physiology research. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Atrial natriuretic peptide?+
Atrial natriuretic peptide is commonly described as approximately 28 amino acids (Peptide hormone (natriuretic peptide)).