Abstract
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is derived from a precursor preproANP. It is produced by cardiomyocytes and play important role in the regulation of hydroelectrolyte balance and vascular tone.
ANP induces suppression of the sympathetic nervous system to protect cardiovascular homeostasis, which is also deteriorated by the stress. The study was designed to detect localization and expression of ANP in the heart compartments in intact and stressed rats by immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR.
An immobilization stressor (IS) and IS combined with partial immersion of rats into water (ICS) were applied to Sprague-Dawley (SD) and Lewis rats.