New vasoactive peptides and their functions

(1)新血管活性肽检测方法的发展：除了我们以前使用的几种平滑肌制备物的收缩或舒张活性的方法外，我们开发了一种新的方法，在培养的血管平滑肌细胞和内皮细胞中测量细胞中的第二信使，如cAMP和cGMP。(2)在THP-1细胞系中CNP的产生：我们在单核细胞白血病细胞系THP-1的补充佛波酯（TPA）的培养基中检测到强的鸡直肠松弛活性。从培养基中，我们纯化了一种具有直肠松弛活性的肽。由于血管平滑肌细胞（VSMC）表达CNP特异性GC-B受体，因此来源于单核细胞（或巨噬细胞）的CNP可能对VSMC的功能具有调节作用。(3)C型利尿钠肽（CNP）：CNP已被认为是一种在中枢神经系统中发挥作用的神经肽。采用PCR和高灵敏度的RIA方法检测CNP及其mRNA在主动脉、肾、肺、胃肠道等外周组织中的表达。这些结果表明CNP可能是通过旁分泌方式发挥作用的局部调节剂。

(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.