Immunocytochemical evidence for CDD/ANP-like peptides in strands of myoendocrine cells associated with the ventricular conduction system of the rat heart.

Immunohistochemical investigations with different antisera against cardiodilatin 99-126 or alpha atrial natriuretic polypeptide revealed the presence of cardiac hormones not only in the atria of rats but also in strands of myoendocrine cells located in subendocardial regions of the ventricular septum. The localization of CDD-IR (cardiodilatin immunoreactivity) in the ventricle is associated with the location of the conduction system in the rat. The significance of the morphological relationship between cardiodilatin and the conduction system of the rat heart is discussed.