Kaliuretic Peptide (KP)

Kaliuretic peptide, a 20-amino acid peptide hormone synthesized in the heart, enhances urine flow twofold, whereas atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) enhances urine flow four- to 11-fold in healthy persons.the diuretic properties of kaliuretic peptide in persons with CHF, as opposed to those of ANP, are not diminished (but rather are increased) compared with their effects in healthy persons. In patients with CHF, kaliuretic peptide causes a natriuresis-a feature not observed in those without sodium retention.Kaliuretic peptide: the most potent inhibitor of Na(+)-K+ ATPase of the atrial natriuretic peptides.Kaliuretic peptide is a recently discovered potent stimulator of potassium and water excretion. Its role in modulating renal water handling in cirrhotic patients has not been defined.