Natriuretic peptides and hypertension.

Natriuretic peptides are produced in the brain, heart and vasculature, and cause vasodilation, sodium excretion, and diuresis. Recent advances indicate that they play important roles in blood-pressure homeostasis, both in normal and in pathophysiological conditions. Although therapeutic interventions which elevate plasma natriuretic peptide levels do not have great antihypertensive efficacy, animal studies suggest that they may be useful in combination treatment strategies.