atrial natriuretic peptide

peptide /pep·tide/ (pep´tīd) (pep´tid) any of a class of compounds of low molecular weight that yield two or more amino acids on hydrolysis; known as di-, tri-, tetra-, (etc.) peptides, depending on the number of amino acids in the molecule. Peptides form the constituent parts of proteins.

---

atrial natriuretic peptide  (ANP) a hormone involved in natriuresis and the regulation of renal and cardiovascular homeostasis.

opioid peptide  opioid (2).

---

atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP),

a hormone involved in natriuresis and the regulation of renal and cardiovascular homeostasis. It is synthesized as a prohormone in the granules of the myocytes of the atrium and is released into the circulation in response to atrial dilation or increased intravascular fluid volume. It causes natriuresis, diuresis, and renal vasodilation; reduces circulating concentrations of renin, aldosterone, and antidiuretic hormone; and thereby normalizes circulating blood pressure and volume. Also called atrial natriuretic factor.