Secretory mechanism of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)

Abstract

Mechanical stretch of atrial muscle in vitro induces movement of ANP granules from central perinuclear areas to the periphery of the sarcoplasm at the sarcolemma. This centrifugal movement is associated with maximal secretion of ANP into the suspension medium, without morphological evidence of exocytosis. Since the addition of vinblastine suppresses the movement of granules and ANP secretion, microtubuli are probably involved in the intracellular movement of ANP granules.