ANP protects against reoxygenation-induced hypercontracture in adult cardiomyocytes

Researchers have investigated new mechanisms to prevent hypercontracture produced by reoxygenation in isolated cardiomyocytes, using isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes from adult rats as the experimental model. In particular, attention was given to the impact of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and the related peptide urodilatin. It was established that the temporary presence of the stimulators of particulate guanylate cyclase, ANP or urodilatin, just before and during the initial phase of reoxygenation can protect against reoxygenation-induced hypercontracture.