Natriuretic peptides in animal models of cardiovascular disease

Natriuretic peptides play a major role in cardiovascular homeostasis, and much of our knowledge on this stems from animal studies looking into the genetic knockout or overexpression of natriuretic peptides or their biological target, the natriuretic peptide receptor. Genetic perturbation of the natriuretic peptide system in rodents causes systemic hypertension, cardiac fibrosis, left ventricular hypertrophy, and heart failure. Moreover, animal models of acute myocardial infarction and heart failure have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of exogenously administered natriuretic peptides in treating human acute coronary syndromes and heart failure. In this review, we hope to highlight the importance of animal models in helping us understand the biological function and consequence of the natriuretic peptide system in cardiovascular disease.