The involvement of atriopeptins in blood pressure regulation.

The atriopeptins are newly discovered cardiac-derived peptides whose observed actions suggest a role in volume homeostasis and blood pressure regulation. Studies in animal models are underway to pinpoint pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the evolution of hypertension, some of which may well be shared by humans with "essential" hypertension. Preliminary observations indicate that circulating atriopeptin levels are altered in human disease. It is anticipated that exogenously administered atriopeptin may be a helpful pharmacological tool in the management of patients with volume overload and hypertension.