Atrial natriuretic factor-induced amylase output in the rat parotid gland appears to be mediated by the inositol phosphate pathway

Role of natriuretic peptides in the cardiovascular-adipose communication: a tale of two organs

Natriuretic peptides have long been known for their cardiovascular function. However, a growing body of evidence emphasizes the role of natriuretic peptides in the energy metabolism of several substrates in humans and animals, thus interrelating the heart, as an endocrine organ, with various insulin-sensitive tissues and organs such as adipose tissue, muscle skeletal, and liver. Adipose tissue dysfunction is associated with altered regulation of the natriuretic peptide system, also indicated as a natriuretic disability. Evidence points to a contribution of this natriuretic disability to the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiometabolic complications; although the causal relationship is not fully understood at present. However, targeting the natriuretic peptide pathway may improve metabolic health in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review will focus on the current literature on the metabolic functions of natriuretic peptides with emphasis on lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Natriuretic peptide system alterations could be proposed as one of the linking mechanisms between adipose tissue dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.

Differential expression and regulation of anti-hypertrophic genes Npr1 and Npr2 during β-adrenergic receptor activation-induced hypertrophic growth in rats

We sought to determine the effect of chronic activation of β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) on the left ventricular (LV) expression profile of Npr1 and Npr2 (coding for NPR-A and NPR-B, respectively) genes, and the functional activity of these receptors in adult Wistar rat hearts. The Npr1 gene expression was markedly reduced (3.5-fold), while the Npr2 gene expression was up regulated (4-fold) in Isoproterenol (ISO)-treated heart as compared with controls. A gradual reduction in NPR-A protein (3-fold), cGMP levels (75%) and a steady increased expression of NPR-B protein (4-fold), were noticed in ISO hearts. Further, in-vitro membranes assay shows that NPR-A dependent guanylyl cyclase (GC) activity was down-regulated (2-fold), whereas NPR-B dependent GC activity was increased (5-fold) in ISO treated hearts. Atenolol treatment normalized the altered expression of Npr1 and Npr2 genes. In conclusion, the chronic β-AR activation differentially regulates Npr1 and Npr2 genes in the heart. Npr1 down regulation is positively associated with the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in ISO rats.

Blockade of Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins Aggravates Acute Pancreatitis and Blunts Atrial Natriuretic Factor's Beneficial Effect in Rats: Role of MRP4 (ABCC4)

We previously reported that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) stimulates secretin-evoked cAMP efflux through multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4) in the exocrine pancreas. Here we sought to establish in vivo whether this mechanism was involved in acute pancreatitis onset in the rat. Rats pretreated with or without probenecid (MRPs general inhibitor) were infused with secretin alone or with ANF. A set of these animals were given repetitive cerulein injections to induce acute pancreatitis. Plasma amylase and intrapancreatic trypsin activities were measured and histological examination of the pancreas performed. Secretin alone activated trypsinogen but induced no pancreatic histological changes. Blockade by probenecid in secretin-treated rats increased trypsin and also induced vacuolization, a hallmark of acute pancreatitis. ANF prevented the secretin response but in the absence of probenecid. In rats with acute pancreatitis, pretreatment with secretin aggravated the disease, but ANF prevented secretin-induced changes. Blockade of MRPs in rats with acute pancreatitis induced trypsinogen activation and larger cytoplasmic vacuoles as well as larger areas of necrosis and edema that were aggravated by secretin but not prevented by ANF. The temporal resolution of intracellular cAMP levels seems critical in the onset of acute pancreatitis, since secretin-evoked cAMP in a context of MRP inhibition makes the pancreas prone to injury in normal rats and aggravates the onset of acute pancreatitis. Present findings support a protective role for ANF mediated by cAMP extrusion through MRP4 and further suggest that the regulation of MRP4 by ANF would be relevant to maintain pancreatic acinar cell homeostasis.

Atrial natriuretic factor stimulates efflux of cAMP in rat exocrine pancreas via multidrug resistance-associated proteins

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) prevents increases in intracellular levels of cAMP that are induced by secretin in the exocrine pancreas. We investigated the contribution of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) efflux to ANF inhibition of secretin signaling.

METHODS

Intracellular and extracellular cAMP were measured by radio-binding assays in isolated pancreatic acini exposed to secretin and other secretagogues, alone or with ANF. Levels of messenger RNA for multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP)4, MRP5, and MRP8 were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. MRP4 was knocked down in AR42J cells by small interfering RNA. In vivo studies were performed in rats.

RESULTS

Pancreatic secretagogues increased levels of intracellular cAMP, but only secretin and vasoactive intestinal peptide promoted cAMP efflux; efflux was increased by ANF, through signaling via natriuretic peptide receptor-C and phospholipase C-protein kinase C. In time-course studies with active phosphodiesterases, levels of intracellular and extracellular cAMP increased earlier after the addition of secretin and ANF (1 min) than after the addition of secretin alone (3 min). Similar kinetic patterns occurred with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. A probenecid-sensitive transporter mediated cAMP egression. The main cAMP transporter, MRP4, was expressed in AR42J cells and pancreas. cAMP egression occurred in AR42J cells exposed to secretin, but this response was reduced in cells that expressed MRP4 small interfering RNA. In rats, levels of cAMP in plasma and pancreatic juice increased after infusion with secretin alone or secretin plus ANF.

CONCLUSIONS

ANF signals via natriuretic peptide receptor-C coupled to the phospholipase C-protein kinase C pathway to increase secretin-induced efflux of cAMP, probably through MPR-4. Cyclic AMP extrusion might be a mechanism, in addition to phosphodiesterase action, to regulate intracellular cAMP levels in pancreatic acinar cells.

Natriuretic peptides as regulatory mediators of secretory activity in the digestive system

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) are members of the natriuretic peptide family best known for their role in blood pressure regulation. However, in recent years all the natriuretic peptides and their receptors have been described in the gastrointestinal tract, digestive glands and central nervous system, as well as implicated in the regulation of digestive gland functions. The current review highlights the regulatory role of ANP and CNP in pancreatic and other digestive secretions. ANP and CNP stimulate basal as well as induced pancreatic secretion and modify bicarbonate and chloride secretions. Whereas ANP and CNP exert effects directly on pancreatic cells, CNP also acts through a vago-vagal reflex. At high doses both peptides attenuate pancreatic secretion induced by high doses of secretin through the PLC/PKC pathway. With regards to other digestive secretions, ANP and CNP decrease bile secretion in the rat. ANP does not induce salivation by itself but enhances stimulated salivary secretion and modifies salivary composition in rat parotid as well as submandibular glands. In rat pancreatic, hepatic, parotid and submandibular tissues, the NPR-C receptor mediates mostly peripheral responses whereas NPR-A and NPR-B receptors, which are coupled to guanylate cyclase, likely mediate the central response. In addition, ANP modulates gastric acid secretion via a vagal-dependent mechanism. In the intestine, ANP and CNP decrease water and sodium chloride absorption through an increase in cGMP levels. Overall, these findings indicate that ANP and CNP are members of the large group of regulatory peptides affecting digestive secretions.

Atrial natriuretic factor intracellular signaling in the rat submandibular gland

We previously reported that intravenously administered atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) induced no salivation but enhanced agonist-evoked secretion in submandibular glands. The gene expression of ANF and natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR) was later reported in the glands. In the present study we sought to establish the intracellular signalling mechanisms underlying ANF modulation of salivary secretion. Fasted rats were prepared with submandibular duct and femoral cannulation. Dose-response curves to methacholine (MC) and norepinephrine (NE) were performed in the presence of cANP (4-23 amide) (selective NPR-C agonist) and ANF. Local injection of the agonist or ANF-induced no salivation, but enhanced MC and NE-evoked secretion. ANF and cANP (4-23 amide) enhanced phosphoinositide turnover being the effect abolished by U73122 (PLC inhibitor). Further ANF and cANP (4-23 amide) decreased basal cAMP content but failed to affect isoproterenol or forskolin-evoked cAMP. ANF response was inhibited by pertussis toxin and mimicked by cANP (4-23 amide) strongly supporting NPR-C activation. ANF-induced cAMP reduction was abolished by PLC and PKC inhibitors. The content of cGMP was dose dependently stimulated by ANF but not modified by cANP (4-23 amide). These findings support that ANF through NPR-C receptors coupled to PLC activation and adenylyl cyclase inhibition interacts with sialogogic agonists in the submandibular gland to potentiate salivation.

Atrial natriuretic factor negatively modulates secretin intracellular signaling in the exocrine pancreas

We previously reported that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) stimulates pancreatic secretion through NPR-C receptors coupled to PLC and potentiates secretin response without affecting cAMP levels. In the present study we sought to establish the intracellular signaling mechanism underlying the interaction between both peptides. In isolated pancreatic acini 100 nM ANF abolished cAMP accumulation evoked by any dose of secretin. Lower doses of ANF (1 fM, 1 pM, 1 and 10 nM) dose dependently reduced EC50 secretin-evoked cAMP. Although ANF failed to affect cAMP stimulated by amthamine (selective H2 agonist) or isoproterenol (beta-adrenergic agonist), it abolished VIP-induced cAMP formation. ANF inhibitory effect was prevented by U-73122 (PLC inhibitor) and GF-109203X (PKC inhibitor) but unaltered by PKG and nitric oxide synthase inhibition, supporting that the PLC/PKC pathway mediated the effect. ANF response was mimicked by cANP (4-23 amide) and abolished by pertussis toxin, strongly supporting NPR-C receptor activation. In vivo studies showed that ANF at 0.5 microg x kg(-1) x h(-1) enhanced secretion stimulated by 1 U x kg(-1) x h(-1) secretin but at 1 and 2 microg x kg(-1) x h(-1) it abolished secretin response. However, ANF at such doses failed to modify the secretion evoked by carbachol or CCK. Present results show that ANF negatively modulated secretin secretory response and intracellular signaling through the activation of NPR-C receptors coupled to the PLC/PKC pathway. Furthermore, the finding that ANF also inhibited VIP-evoked cAMP supports a selective modulation of class II G-protein coupled receptors by ANF. Present findings suggest that ANF may play a protective role by reducing secretin response to avoid overstimulation.

C-type natriuretic peptide applied to the brain enhances exocrine pancreatic secretion through a vagal pathway

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is the major natriuretic peptide in the brain and its mRNA has been reported in the central nervous system, which supports local synthesis and its role as a neuromodulator. The aim of the present work was to study the effect of centrally applied CNP on pancreatic secretion. Rats were fitted with a lateral cerebroventricular cannula one-week before secretion studies. The central administration of CNP dose-dependently enhanced pancreatic fluid and protein output. CNP response was diminished by atropine and hexamethonium, but it was abolished by vagotomy. Neither adrenergic antagonists nor the administration of (D-p-Cl-Phe(6),Leu(17))-vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP antagonist) or N(omega) Nitro-L arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) affected CNP response. The effect induced by CNP was mimicked by 8-Br-cGMP but not by c-ANP-(4-23) amide (selective agonist of the natriuretic peptide receptor C). Furthermore, CNP interacted with cholecystokinin (CCK) and secretin in the brain to modify pancreatic secretion. Present findings show that centrally applied CNP enhanced pancreatic secretion through a vagal pathway and suggest that CNP response is mediated by the activation of natriuretic peptide guanylyl cyclase coupled receptors in the brain.

Atrial natriuretic factor stimulates renal dopamine uptake mediated by natriuretic peptide-type A receptor

To determine the effects of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) on renal dopamine (DA) metabolism, 3H-DA and 3H-L-DOPA uptake by renal tubular cells was measured in experiments carried out in vitro in Sprague-Dawley rats. The receptor type involved was also analyzed. The results indicate that ANF increased at 30 min, DA uptake in a concentration-response fashion having 10 pM ANF as the threshold concentration. Conversely, the uptake of the precursor L-DOPA was not modified by the peptide. ANF effects were observed in tissues from external and juxtamedullar cortex and inner medulla. On this basis, 100 nM ANF was used to continue the studies in external cortex tissues. DA uptake was characterized as extraneuronal uptake, since 100 microM hydrocortisone blocked ANF-induced increase of DA uptake. Renal DA uptake was decreased at 0 degrees C and in sodium-free medium. The effects of ANF in these conditions were not present, confirming that renal DA uptake is mediated by temperature- and sodium-dependent transporters and that the peptide requires the presence of the ion to exhibit its actions on DA uptake. The biological natriuretic peptide type A receptor (NPR-A) mediates ANF effects, since 100 nM anantin, a specific blocker, reversed ANF-dependent increase of DA uptake. The natriuretic peptide type C receptor (NPR-C) is not involved, since the specific analogous 100 nM 4-23 ANF amide has no effect on renal DA uptake and does not alter the effects of 100 nM ANF. In conclusion, ANF stimulates DA uptake by kidney tubular cells. ANF effects are mediated by NPR-A receptors coupled to guanylate cyclase and cGMP as second messenger. The process involved was characterized as a typical extraneuronal uptake, and characterized as temperature- and sodium-dependent. This mechanism could be related to DA effects on sodium reabsorption and linked to ANF enhanced natriuresis in the kidney. The increment of endogenous DA into tubular cells, as a consequence of increased DA uptake, would permit D1 receptor recruitment and Na+,K+-ATPase activity inhibition, which results in decreased sodium reabsorption and increased natriuresis.

Atrial natriuretic factor stimulates exocrine pancreatic secretion in the rat through NPR-C receptors

Increasing evidence supports the role of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in the modulation of gastrointestinal physiology. The effect of ANF on exocrine pancreatic secretion and the possible receptors and pathways involved were studied in vivo. Anesthetized rats were prepared with pancreatic duct cannulation, pyloric ligation, and bile diversion into the duodenum. ANF dose-dependently increased pancreatic secretion of fluid and proteins and enhanced secretin and CCK-evoked response. ANF decreased chloride secretion and increased the pH of the pancreatic juice. Neither cholinergic nor adrenergic blockade affected ANF-stimulated pancreatic secretion. Furthermore, ANF response was not mediated by the release of nitric oxide. ANF-evoked protein secretion was not inhibited by truncal vagotomy, atropine, or Nomega-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester administration. The selective natriuretic peptide receptor-C (NPR-C) receptor agonist cANP-(4-23) mimicked ANF response in a dose-dependent fashion. When the intracellular signaling coupled to NPR-C receptors was investigated in isolated pancreatic acini, results showed that ANF did not modify basal or forskolin-evoked cAMP formation, but it dose-dependently enhanced phosphoinositide hydrolysis, which was blocked by the selective PLC inhibitor U-73122. ANF stimulated exocrine pancreatic secretion in the rat, and its effect was not mediated by nitric oxide or parasympathetic or sympathetic activity. Furthermore, CCK and secretin appear not to be involved in ANF response. Present findings support that ANF exerts a stimulatory effect on pancreatic exocrine secretion mediated by NPR-C receptors coupled to the phosphoinositide pathway.

NPR-C receptors are involved in C-type natriuretic peptide response on bile secretion

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a member of the natriuretic peptide family. Previous studies reported the presence of natriuretic peptide receptors and mRNA CNP in the liver. In the present work, we sought to establish the role of CNP in the regulation of bile secretion in the rat and the possible pathways involved.CNP diminished basal as well as bile salt-evoked bile flow and bile acid output in a dose-dependent manner. It also reduced the excretion of sodium, chloride, and potassium but did not modify bile pH or the excretion of phospholipids, total proteins, and glutathione. Neither parasympathetic nor sympathetic blockade abolished CNP inhibitory response on bile secretion. The selective NPR-C agonist, C-ANP-(4-23) amide, diminished bile flow and the co-administration of both peptides did not further decrease it. CNP did not alter mean arterial pressure or portal venous pressure at any given doses.CNP decreased bile acid-dependent flow without affecting bile acid-independent flow. The inhibitory effect of CNP did not involve the participation of the autonomic nervous system or hemodynamic changes. The participation of NPR-C receptors in CNP response is strongly supported by present findings. The present study shows that CNP modulates bile secretion in the rat, suggesting that CNP may be part of the large family of peptides involved in the regulation of gastrointestinal physiology.

Bile secretion is centrally regulated by C-type natriuretic peptide

1. Current evidence supports that C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is the brain natriuretic peptide. Natriuretic peptide receptors and mRNA CNP have been reported in the liver and in discrete areas and nucleus of the central nervous system involved in the regulation of gastrointestinal physiology. In the present work, we sought to establish the role of CNP in the central regulation of bile secretion in the rat and to delineate the possible pathways and mechanisms involved. 2. To examine the role of CNP on bile secretion, the peptide was applied in the brain lateral ventricle (1, 10, and 100 ng/microL) and bile samples were collected every 15 min for 60 min. The role of the autonomic nervous system in CNP response was assessed by atropine or combined phentolamine and propranolol administration. 3. Centrally applied CNP diminished basal as well as bile salt-evoked bile flow in a dose-dependent manner. CNP reduced bile acid output as well as sodium and potassium excretion, supporting CNP effect on bile acid-dependent flow. CNP also decreased chloride excretion and increased bile pH. The excretion of total glutathione was not affected by centrally applied CNP suggesting that this peptide does not alter bile acid-independent flow. Neither parasympathetic nor sympathetic blockade abolished CNP inhibitory response on bile secretion. Mean arterial pressure and portal venous pressure were not modified by CNP. 4. Present findings show that centrally applied CNP modulates bile secretion in a dose-dependent fashion. CNP alkalinized bile and reduced bile acid-dependent flow without affecting bile acid-independent flow. The inhibitory response of CNP on bile secretion was not mediated by the autonomic nervous system. Present findings give further support to the role of CNP as the brain natriuretic peptide.

Atrial natriuretic peptide increases glucose uptake during hypoxia in cardiomyocytes

The action of atrial natriuretic peptide on glucose uptake during hypoxia was investigated in neonatal cardiomyocytes. When the cultures were exposed to 100 n and 1 and 10 micro M of atrial natriuretic peptide for 60 min, hypoxia-induced glucose uptake significantly increased from 20.4 +/- 1.2 to 28.2 +/- 3.1, 31.6 +/- 2.7, and 30.1 +/- 2.8 pmol/h/mg protein, respectively, although atrial natriuretic peptide alone did not significantly affect the basal glucose uptake in normoxic condition. The atrial natriuretic peptide-stimulated glucose uptake during hypoxia was significantly decreased by 100 n of genistein and tyrphostin A-23 (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor) from 31.6 +/- 2.7 to 22.8 +/- 2.4 and 23.8 +/- 2.7 pmol/h/mg protein. U73122 100 n, which is a phospholipase C antagonist, significantly inhibited the atrial natriuretic peptide-induced glucose uptake under hypoxic conditions from 31.6 +/- 2.7 to 13.6 +/- 1.9 pmol/h/mg protein. However, the atrial natriuretic peptide-induced glucose uptake did not involve elevation of intracellular Ca and phosphatidylinositol (PI)3 kinase. It was concluded that the atrial natriuretic peptide-stimulated glucose uptake during hypoxia acts through a phospholipase C-tyrosine kinase pathway.

G(i-1)/G(i-2)-dependent signaling by single-transmembrane natriuretic peptide clearance receptor

Single-transmembrane natriuretic peptide clearance receptor (NPR-C), which is devoid of a cytoplasmic guanylyl cyclase domain, interacts with pertussis toxin (PTx)-sensitive G proteins to activate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expressed in gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells. We examined the ability of NPR-C to activate other effector enzymes in eNOS-deficient tenia coli smooth muscle cells; these cells expressed NPR-C and NPR-B but not NPR-A. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), the selective NPR-C ligand cANP-(4-23), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) inhibited (125)I-ANP and (125)I-VIP binding to muscle membranes in a pattern indicating high-affinity binding to NPR-C. Interaction of VIP with NPR-C was confirmed by its ability to inhibit (125)I-ANP binding to membranes of NPR-C-transfected COS-1 cells. In tenia muscle cells, all ligands selectively activated G(i-1) and G(i-2); VIP also activated G(s) via VIP(2) receptors. All ligands stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis, which was inhibited by ANP-(1-11), PTx, and antibodies to phospholipase C-beta3 (PLC-beta3) and Gbeta. cANP-(4-23) contracted tenia muscle cells; contraction was blocked by U-73122 and PTx and by antibodies to PLC-beta3 and Gbeta in intact and permeabilized muscle cells, respectively. VIP and ANP contracted muscle cells only after inhibition of cAMP- and cGMP-dependent protein kinases. ANP and cANP-(4-23) inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP in a PTx-sensitive fashion. We conclude that NPR-C is coupled to activation of PLC-beta3 via betagamma-subunits of G(i-1) and G(i-2) and to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase via alpha-subunits.

Immunohistochemical localization of C-type natriuretic peptide in the rat submaxillary salivary gland

To define the localization and characteristics of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in the rat submaxillary gland, immunohistochemistry and gel permeation-high-performance liquid chromatography were used. Immunoreactive (IR)-CNP was localized in cells of the granular convoluted tubule, striated duct and endothelial cells of the capillary, where atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was colocalized in consecutive sections, but not in acini. Gland extracts co-eluted with synthetic CNP and its content was 60.3+/-4.9 pg/mg protein (n=4). Molecular profiles of immunoreactive material showed two peaks corresponding to synthetic CNP((1-53)) and CNP((1-22)). These results indicate that CNP is colocalized with ANP in the duct and endothelial cells of the rat submaxillary gland. Therefore, CNP may have a physiological role in the submaxillary gland by interacting with ANP and/or other biologically active substances in the ducts and granular convoluted tubule cells.

Identification of the G protein-activating domain of the natriuretic peptide clearance receptor (NPR-C)

We have shown recently that the 37-amino acid intracellular domain of the single-transmembrane, natriuretic peptide clearance receptor, NPR-C, which is devoid of kinase and guanylyl cyclase activities, activates selectively Gi1 and Gi2 in gastric and tenia coli smooth muscle. In this study, we have used synthetic peptide fragments of the N-terminal, C-terminal, and middle regions of the cytoplasmic domain of NPR-C to identify the G protein-activating sequence. A 17-amino acid peptide of the middle region (Arg469-Arg485), denoted Peptide 4, which possesses two N-terminal arginine residues and a C-terminal B-B-X-X-B motif (where B and X are basic and non-basic residues, respectively) bound selectively to Gi1 and Gi2, activated phospholipase C-beta3 via the betagamma subunits, inhibited adenylyl cyclase, and induced smooth muscle contraction, in similar fashion to the selective NPR-C ligand, cANP4-23. A similar sequence (Peptide 3), but with a partial C-terminal motif, had minimal activity. Sequences which possessed either the N-terminal basic residues (Peptide 1) or the C-terminal B-B-X-X-B motif (Peptide 2) were inactive. Peptide 2, however, inhibited G protein activation and cellular responses mediated by the stimulatory Peptide 4 and by cANP4-23, suggesting that the B-B-X-X-B motif mediated binding but not activation of G protein, thus causing Peptide 2 to act as a competitive inhibitor of G protein activation.