Atrial natriuretic peptide production and natriuretic peptide receptors in the human uterus and their effect on myometrial relaxation

ANP has a dose dependent effect on uterine relaxation. ANP is present in human myometrial cells and appears to be secreted by myometrial cells. The concentration of ANP may vary with gestational age and modulators of uterine contractility. NPR-A, -B, and -C receptor proteins are present in myometrial tissue. NPR-A levels may correlate with gestational age.