CNP or C-type natriuretic peptide is very distinct from ANP or BNP.
CNP is a product of a gene that is found in high quantities in some species.
CNP is highly conserved in species such as rats and humans.
A CNP is a 22-amino-acid peptide.
In simple words, a biologically active CNP contains 22 amino acids.
It is a part of porcine brain.
An extended form of CNP, known as CNP-53 is one of the major forms of porcine brain.
CNP which is immuno-reactive is found in abundance in human as well as rat brains but very little quantity of this type of CNP is found outside the brain or central nervous system.
CNP-like immunoreactivity has been detected in human plasma with the help of certain specific types of radioimmunoassay.
It is also found in heart and kidneys of rats.
The CNP immunostaining has been successfully localized and is now a part of vascular endothelial cells found in small caliber arteries.
Some of the major components of human vascular wall are responsible for secreting various factors that play an important role in synthesis and release of CNP.
The components of vascular wall include endothelial cells, macrophages, and platelets.
Activation of a receptor, NPRB, acts as a mediator for biological effects.
The NPRB is found in numerous tissues of kidney, brain, heart, lungs and liver.
The biological effects of CNP vary considerably from the effects of ANP and BNP.
In some studies conducted on femoral and renal canine veins along with saphenous, it was found that CNP was selectively independent of endothelium.
This difference was observed in comparison to the effect of ANP.
The actions marked on veins of dogs were far less strong and effective among humans.
There were not as strong in relaxing peripheral arteries as they were in dogs.
This study demonstrated that is a strong vasodilator in coronary arteries that are pre-constricted.