Definitive role for natriuretic peptide receptor-C in mediating the vasorelaxant activity of C-type natriuretic peptide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarising factor

These data substantiate CNP/NPR-C signalling as a fundamental pathway underlying EDHF-dependent regulation of vascular tone in the rat mesenteric resistance vasculature. An increased understanding of the physiological roles of CNP/NPR-C signalling in the vasculature (now facilitated by the identification of a selective NPR-C antagonist) should aid determination of the (patho)physiological importance of EDHF and might provide the rationale for the design of novel therapeutics.