The role of C-type natriuretic peptide in cardiovascular medicine

0195-668X/01/120997+11 $35.00/0 conventional drug therapy, in order to reduce plasma aminoterminal BNP levels, resulted in reduced total cardiovascular events when compared to therapy directed by clinical acumen. Much less is known about C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) which was first isolated from porcine brain in 1990. It is now known that CNP has a much wider distribution and of particular note both it and its receptor are located in peripheral blood vessels. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown CNP to be a powerful vasorelaxant. This together with its location would theoretically enable CNP to play an important role in local vascular regulation. In this review we examine the current literature relating to CNP, in particular its cardiovascular role. Wherever possible we will compare and contrast CNP with both ANP and BNP.