C-type natriuretic peptide is produced in the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and most major endocrine glands. It has potent venodilatory and coronary vasodilatory effects, but minimal effects on renal function.
Natriuretic Peptide, C-Type (NPC) plays a vital role in regulation of blood pressure and body fluid homeostasis. NPC-mediated signaling is essential for endochondral ossification. NPC acts as a ligand for natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B). NPC interacts with receptors on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and functions as an autocrine/paracrine endothelium-derived hormone. It is also implicated in the endothelial dysfunction and regulation of adipogenesis, which has a crucial role in the development of obesity in childhood. NPC has potential as a marker for obesity and bone injury induced by steroid hormones. In vitro studies show that NPC is involved in the inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation, natriuresis, diuresis, vasodilation and inhibition of the renin- angiotensin system. NPC is associated with the development of myocardial infarction and heart failure. Plasma NPC levels can be used as a biomarker for the therapeutic efficacy of metoprolol on postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in children.
General description
Natriuretic Peptide, C-Type (NPPC/ CNP) is a 22 amino acid peptide encoded by NPPC gene mapped to human chromosome 2q37.1. It belongs to the natriuretic peptide family.