CNP-induced changes in pHi, cGMP/cAMP and mRNA expression of natriuretic peptide receptors in human trabecular meshwork cells

It has been demonstrated that natriuretic peptides lower intraocular pressure, however, the underlying cellular mechanism(s) mediating this response remain(s) to be determined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on pH(i), cGMP/cAMP and expression of atrial natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-A), brain natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-B) and C-type natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR-C), in HTM cells. At concentrations of 10(-7) M, CNP caused an acidification of pHi. In addition, CNP caused a dose-dependent increase in cGMP formation and inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. These changes were not significantly altered in the absence of 10(-3) M isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX). Treatment with the NPR-A antagonist, anantin, produced no influence on basal cGMP/cAMP levels, the CNP-stimulated cGMP accumulation and CNP-induced inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. However, CNP-induced reduction of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation was inhibited by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX). Furthermore, NPR-B receptors were predominantly expressed and pretreatment with CNP (10(-7) M, 24hr) enhanced all NPR mRNAs expression which was not altered by higher concentrations or longer incubation. Results demonstrate that NPR-A, NPR-B and NPR-C receptors' expression can be up-regulated by CNP treatment. CNP activates NPR-B receptors preferentially to increase cGMP accumulation and acts through the PTX-sensitive cAMP-signaling pathway leading to a decrease in pHi.