Localization of the atrial natriuretic peptide binding sites in the inner ear tissue--possibly an additional regulating system.

Specific high affinity atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) binding sites were identified and localized by autoradiography (125J-ANP 1-28) in the inner ear of guinea pigs. ANP is a cardiac hormone known to mediate increased capillary permeability, vasodilation, and natriuresis. Since specific receptors for ANP exist in both eye and brain, possibly playing a role in regulation of fluid and pressure (14, 15), we hypothetized that ANP might be involved also in inner ear fluid dynamics via interaction with other volume/electrolyte balance regulating hormones including vasopressin, renin, and aldosteron. The distribution of ANP receptor in the inner ear tissue appears unequal, which may play a significant role in view of some functional disturbances such as Meniere's disease.