NATRIURETIC PEPTIDES AND ENDOTHELINS: MORE THAN VASOACTIVE PEPTIDES.INSIGHTS INTO THEIR ROLE IN THE REGULATION OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL FUNCTION

LILIANA G. BIANCIOTTI; MYRIAN R. RODRIGUEZ; MARIA S. VENTIMIGLIA; MARIA S. LANGE; MARCELO S. VATTA

FUNCTION OF NEUROPEPTIDES AT THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Research Signpost

Lugar: India; Año: 2009; p. 171 - 201

This review focuses on the main aspects of endothelins and natriuretic peptides in the regulation of the gastrointestinal function, particularly the digestive secretions. These peptides have been extensively studied as regards their participation in the the control of blood pressure and renal function but a vast literature supports their role as neuropeptides. A high density of receptors for natriuretic peptides and endothelins localized along the gastrointestinal tract and digestive glands strongly suggests that these peptides are involved in the regulation of the digestive function, independently of their hemodynamic properties. Furthermore, a high density of their receptors is also localized in the dorsal vagal complex which is the main brain integrative centre that controls the digestive function.