Human C-type natriuretic peptide: effects on the haemodynamic and endocrine responses to angiotensin II.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to study the effects of high dose systemic human C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) infusion in man on systemic and pulmonary haemodynamics and the renin-angiotensin system before and after infusion of angiotensin II.

METHODS

Eight normal male volunteers were studied on two separate occasions when, after the subjects had been rested to reach a baseline haemodynamic state (T0), infusions of either human CNP (10 pmol.kg-1.min-1) or placebo (5% dextrose) were begun. After 30 min (T30) on each study day, a concomitant infusion of angiotensin II (6 ng.kg-1.min-1) was started, and both infusions ran together for a further 30 min (until T60). Measurements of systemic and pulmonary haemodynamic variables and the activity of the renin-angiotensin system were made at baseline (T0), after 30 min of CNP or placebo (T30), and after angiotensin II (T60).

RESULTS

Infusion of CNP had no significant effects on systemic or pulmonary haemodynamics or on baseline renin-angiotensin system activity compared with placebo. Infusion of angiotensin II produced significant systemic and pulmonary pressor effects and also stimulated aldosterone secretion. There were, however, no significant differences between the changes induced by angiotensin II (expressed as the difference between T30 and T60) when CNP was infused compared with placebo: change in mean systemic arterial pressure with CNP 26.6(SEM 2.3) mm Hg v placebo 30.3(3.6) mm Hg; change in mean pulmonary artery pressure with CNP 11.7(2.5) mm Hg v placebo 10.9(1.0) mm Hg; change in aldosterone concentration with CNP 219(40) pmol.litre-1 v placebo 242(40) pmol.litre-1.

CONCLUSIONS

At a dose of CNP which has previously been found to have marked haemodynamic effects in dogs, no effect on systemic or pulmonary haemodynamics was observed in man. Furthermore, CNP had no effect on the aldosterone or pressor responses to infused angiotensin II. The present study would suggest that CNP does not have a circulating endocrine role in cardiovascular homeostasis, although a paracrine role within vascular endothelium is perhaps more likely.