Natriuretic peptide-dependent lipolysis in fat cells is a primate specificity.

We have recently demonstrated that natriuretic peptides (NPs), which are known for regulation of blood pressure via membrane guanylyl cyclase (GC) receptors, are lipolytic in human adipose tissue. In this study, we compared the NP control of lipolysis in adipocytes from humans, nonhuman primates (macaques), rodents (rats, mice, hamsters), and nonrodent mammals (rabbits, dogs). Isolated adipocytes from these species were exposed to increasing concentrations of atrial NP (ANP) or isoproterenol (beta-adrenergic agonist).