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Role of the endopeptidase 24. 11 in the disposition and metabolism of endogenous atrial natriuretic factor in the rabbit

Journal Article · · Drug Metabolism and Disposition; (USA)
OSTI ID:5735610

The neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP) has been shown to inactivate the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) by opening the ring structure. To document the role of NEP in the metabolic fate of ANF in vivo, the effects of an infusion of thiorphan (25 micrograms/min/kg), a specific NEP inhibitor, on the kinetics and metabolism of endogenous ANF were studied in conscious rabbits. A bolus of ({sup 125}I)ANF(99-126) was injected 50 min after the beginning of the infusion of thiorphan. Plasma samples containing the radioactive peptides were separated by reverse-phase HPLC. The parent compound could be separated from at least two other minor metabolites, corresponding to the elution position of ({sup 125}I)ANF(99-105/106-126), the inactive ring-opened metabolite, and of ({sup 125}I)ANF(103-126), an N-truncated analog. The generation of the N-truncated metabolite was increased by thiorphan. Thiorphan also induced an increase in plasma ANF (29%) that was closely associated with a 32% reduction in the systemic clearance of ({sup 125}I)ANF(99-126), whereas no modification in the estimated secretion rate was detected. These results support a role for NEP in the regulation of endogenous ANF plasma levels. These results also suggest that specific inhibition of NEP may result in an increase in the apparent activity of alternative metabolic pathways.

OSTI ID:
5735610
Journal Information:
Drug Metabolism and Disposition; (USA), Journal Name: Drug Metabolism and Disposition; (USA) Vol. 19:1; ISSN DMDSA; ISSN 0090-9556
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English