C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Hyperpolarizes and Relaxes Human Penile Resistance Arteries

The present findings suggest that CNP possesses the characteristics of an EDHF in human penile resistance arteries. By activation of natriuretic peptide receptor type B and NPR-C receptors, CNP causes relaxation by activation, respectively, of large-conductance calcium-activated K+ channels and Na+/K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), and barium-sensitive inward rectifier K+ channels. Modulation of the CNP pathway opens for new treatment modalities of erectile dysfunction. Kun A, Kiraly I, Pataricza J, Marton Z, Krassoi I, Varro A, Simonsen U, Gy. Papp J, and Pajor L. C-type natriuretic peptide hyperpolarizes and relaxes human penile resistance arteries.