RT-PCR analysis of mRNA expression of natriuretic peptide family and their receptors in rat inner ear.

To assess the possible physiological role of the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) family, we investigated the expression of mRNA of ANP, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), and their receptors in rat inner ear using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method. ANP and CNP message bands were detected in the inner ear, but the BNP message band was not. Amplification products of the expected sizes of ANP-A, ANP-B and ANP-C receptors were detected in the inner ear. These results suggest that natriuretic peptide family may influence the function of the inner ear through the ANP-A, ANP-B, and ANP-C receptors.