The distribution of atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP)-containing cells in the adult rat heart.

The present study was performed to clarify the distribution of ANP-containing cells in the adult rat heart by immunostaining for ANP using antiserum against alpha-human ANP. ANP-immunoreactive cells were generally present in the atrial walls except for the sinoatrial node. In the ventricular walls, they were distributed in the impulse conducting system, particularly the left bundle branch, Purkinje fibers on the left side of the interventricular septum, and those in the false tendons in the left ventricle, while they were sporadically seen in the atrioventricular node and bundle of His. The immunoreactive cells contained specific granules that were positive for ANP. These findings demonstrate that ANP-containing cells are present in the atrial and ventricular walls.