The roles of the guanylate cyclase-stimulating ligands nitric oxide and atrial natriuretic peptide in the regulation of blood flow in the human fetal placental circulation

Abstract

Cyclic GMP produced by both soluble and membrane-bound isoforms of GCs may play a central role in the regulation of blood flow in the fetal placental vessels of the human placenta. Evidence suggest that two GC-stimulating ligands NO and ANP are produced by the human placenta and modify placental vascular resistance in vitro. The NO-soluble GC system may be involved in maintaining low basal vascular resistance, modifying the effects of vasoconstrictor substances and mediating the actions of some vasodilator autacoids. Placentally-derived ANP may act locally via membrane-bound GC to attenuate the effects of vasoconstrictor autacoids and may also be released into the circulation and affect feta..