Natriuretic Peptide Receptor 2 (NPR2)

NPRA and NPRB are linked to guanylyl cyclases, while NPRAC is G-protein linked and furthermore is a "clearance receptor" which acts to internalise and destroy the ligand. ANP activation of the ANP catalytic receptor will stimulate its intracellular guanylyl cyclase activity to convert GTP to cGMP. cGMP will then stimulate cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) which will then induce smooth muscle relaxation. This is particularly important in the vasculature where vascular smooth muscle will bind ANP released as a result of increasing right atrial pressure and will cause them to relax. This relaxation will decrease total peripheral resistance which will in turn decrease venous return to the heart. The decrease in venous return to the heart will reduce the preload and will result in the heart having to do less work.