Regulation of natriuretic peptide secretion by the heart

Natriuretic peptide secretion and its regulation by the heart are discussed. The peptides are secreted by the heart, actually by atrial cardiomyocytes, normally, but in cardiac hypertropy also by ventricular myocytes. They are important hormones in blood pressure control and excretion of water. Atrial stretch through mechano-sensitive ion channel is one of the major triggers of release of the peptides. Intracellular calcium homeostasis controlled by several ion channels is thought to be a key element in regulation.