C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Relaxes Human Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts Preconstricted by Endothelin-1

C-type natriuretic peptide reverses endothelin-induced constriction in arterial and venous conduits used for coronary artery bypass, particularly the radial artery. Proteolytic breakdown of C-type natriuretic peptide by local vascular enzymes appears of little importance in vitro. This signals the therapeutic potential of using C-type natriuretic peptide as an antagonist of graft vasospasm after coronary artery bypass surgery.