Atrial Natriuretic Peptide
Also known as: ANP, ANF, atrial natriuretic factor
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide, commonly called ANP, is a heart derived hormone studied for fluid balance and cardiovascular regulation. It comes from the natriuretic peptides A precursor and circulates as a short peptide. Investigators connect it to kidney handling of sodium and water, vessel tone, and energy related activity in fat tissue.
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Overview
Cardiac hormone which increases renal sodium excretion
Atrial natriuretic peptide (natriuretic polypeptide or atrial natriuretic factor is a natriuretic peptide hormone secreted from the cardiac atria that in humans is encoded by the NPPA gene. Natriuretic peptides are a family of hormone/paracrine factors that are structurally related. The main function of ANP is causing a reduction in expanded extracellular fluid volume by increasing renal sodium excretion. ANP is synthesized and secreted by cardiac muscle cells in the walls of the atria in the heart. These cells contain volume receptors which respond to increased stretching of the atrial wall due to increased atrial blood volume.
Mechanism of Action
ANP activates the NPR1 receptor, increasing cGMP production and engaging downstream effectors such as PRKG1. This cascade is described alongside vessel dilation, sodium and water excretion, and reduced aldosterone synthesis in research models. The NPR3 receptor clears ANP from circulation, while fat tissue routes involving AMPK and MAPK11 link it to lipid handling and UCP1 related thermogenesis.
Research History
ANP first drew attention as a cardiac signal linked to sodium excretion and urine formation. Later work broadened the picture to vessel relaxation, aldosterone control, and heart tissue remodeling. Additional studies then explored its signaling in adipose tissue, including pathways tied to lipid use and brown fat heat generation.
What Researchers Are Saying
Community Reports - Not Medical Advice
The following is aggregated from public forums, Reddit, and research communities. These are anecdotal reports from researchers only - not verified clinical data and not a recommendation of any kind.
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (also known as ANP, ANF) is studied within the metabolic health research community. Heart-derived peptide hormone that regulates blood pressure and fluid homeostasis; researched in cardiovascular models.
Last updated October 28, 2026
Research status: active. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide appears across metabolic health research forums and academic literature. Researchers note this compound falls in the metabolic category.
Last updated October 28, 2026
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