Amazon.com description: Product Description: This volume presents the latest findings on the biological actions of atrial peptides, their nucleic acid precursors, their target tissue receptors, and post-receptor biochemical events. Included are reports of research elucidating the amino acid sequence of the active circulating peptide, as well as its prohormone and preprohormone forms, their gene structure, and the characteristics of target tissue receptors. Several studies on post-receptor events, especially the activation of particulate guanylate cyclase, suggest a crucial role for cyclic GMP as the second messenger responsible for many of the actions of atrial peptides, including vasorelaxation, natriuresis, diuresis, and inhibition of adrenal aldosterone biosynthesis. The cardiovascular and renal actions of atrial natriuretic peptide are covered in depth, as well as its interactions with the kidney, blood vessels, adrenal cortex, and other tissues and organs and its role in the short- and long-term maintenance of water and electrolyte balance. Full consideration is also given to the physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology of atrial natriuretic peptide.