title: Atriopeptin-immunoreactive neurons in the brain: presence in cardiovascular regulatory areas.
abstract: Antisera to atriopeptin III and to a cyanogen bromide fragment of the precursor molecule atriopeptigen were prepared and used to examine the distribution of atriopeptin-like immunoreactive material in the heart and brain of the rat. Granules of this material were seen in myocytes throughout the right and left atria and were densest in the perinuclear region. The distribution of atriopeptin-like immunoreactive material in the heart is consistent with previous reports of atrial secretory granules. In the brain neurons containing the material were observed in the hypothalamus and the pontine tegmentum. Atriopeptin in the brain may serve as a neurotransmitter in neural systems controlling blood volume and composition, the same physiological functions regulated by blood-borne atriopeptin.
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Saper
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Standaert
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Currie
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Geller
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Needleman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016275:Atrial Function; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D007106:Immune Sera / Q000276:immunology; D009124:Muscle Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
chemical_list: D007106:Immune Sera; D009124:Muscle Proteins; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor