New vasoactive peptides and their functions

(1)新血管活性肽测量方法的发展：除了我们之前使用平滑肌制剂收缩或松弛活性的方法外，我们还开发了一种新的方法来测量培养的血管平滑肌细胞和内皮细胞中细胞中的第二信使，如cAMP和cGMP。(2) THP-1细胞株中CNP的产生：我们在单核细胞白血病细胞株THP-1的培养基中检测到添加了phorboll -ester （TPA）的培养基中有很强的鸡直肠松弛剂活性。从培养基中，我们纯化出一种具有直肠松弛活性的肽。经结构分析确定该肽为CNP-29。由于血管平滑肌细胞（VSMC）表达CNP特异性GC-B受体，来源于单核细胞（或巨噬细胞）的CNP可能调节VSMC的功能。(3) c型利钠肽（CNP）： CNP是一种在中枢神经系统中起作用的神经肽。采用PCR法和高灵敏度RIA法，我们在主动脉、肾脏、肺、胃肠道等外周组织中发现了CNP及其mRNA。这些结果表明CNP可能是通过旁分泌模式起局部调节作用的。

(1) Development of survey methods for new vasoactive peptides : In addition to our previous methods using contractile or relaxant activity on several smooth muscle preparations, We developed a new method measuring second messengers in the cell, such as cAMP and cGMP, in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells.(2) production of CNP in THP-1 cell line : We detected strong chick rectum relaxant activity in phorbol-ester (TPA) supplemented culture medium of monocytic leukemia cell line, THP-1. From the culture medium, we purified a peptide exhibiting rectum relaxant activity. The peptide was determined to be CNP-29 by structural analyses.Since vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) express CNP-specific GC-B receptor, CNP derived from monocytes (or macrophages) may regulate VSMC functions.(3) C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) : CNP has been recognized as a neuropeptide functioning in the central nervous system. By using the PCR method and highly sensitive RIA method, we found CNP and its mRNA in the peripheral tissue, including aorta, kidney, lung, gastrointestinal tract. These results suggest that CNP may be a local regulator functioning through paracrine mode.