Immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in endoscopic biopsies of the human gastrointestinal tract

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Abstract
The human gastrointestinal tract, important for body salt and water balance, was investigated by endoscopic biopsy for the presence of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Using immunohistochemistry, ANP-immunoreactive cells were identified in the lamina epithelialis mucosae of stomach, duodenum, jejunum, colon, and rectum. The findings indicate that ANP plays a role in intestinal salt and water regulation in man. ANP measurements in tissue specimens reached by endoscopic biopsy may be of major interest for future investigations on (patho-)physiological and pharmacological aspects of ANP.