Abstract
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) has been demonstrated to exert endocrine functions, including the modulation of steroid synthesis. This prompted investigations to search for ANP receptors in the corpus luteum, a tissue that produces progesterone. The studies revealed a single binding site for [125I] ANP with similar characteristics (Kd, 122 pM; maximum binding, 18 fmol/mg protein) in all four stages of corpus luteum development. These receptors were demonstrated to stimulate cGMP production upon activation with synthetic ANP. Maximal cGMP synthesis was observed at 10(-7) M ANP, 5 min after activation of receptors. An acidic extract of corpus luteum contained immunoreactive ANP (approximately 220 fmol/g tissue), as indicated by gel chromatography, HPLC, and identification by means of a highly specific ANP antibody. The data do not permit definition of a specific endocrine role of ANP in the corpus luteum.
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