Guanylin and uroguanylin are novel peptides that activate membrane guanylate cyclases found in the kidney and intestine. We compared the effects of these peptides in the isolated perfused rat kidney. Both peptides are natriuretic and kaliuretic in this preparation. Uroguanylin (0.19–1.9 μM) increased glomerular filtration rate from 0.77 ± 0.07 to 1.34 ± 0.3 ml ⋅ g−1 ⋅ min−1at the highest concentration. A maximal increase in Na+ excretion was achieved at 0.66 μM uroguanylin, with a reduction in fractional Na+ reabsorption from 78.7 ± 1.7 to 58.8 ± 4.4%. The highest dose of uroguanylin increased kaliuresis by 50%. Osmolar clearance doubled at the highest concentration of uroguanylin tested ( P< 0.05). Guanylin also elicited a natriuresis and kaliuresis but appeared to be less potent than uroguanylin. The highest concentration of guanylin (1.3 μM) decreased fractional Na+ reabsorption from 73.9 ± 2.4 to 64.5 ± 4.0%, but lower doses were ineffective. Guanylin stimulated urine K+ excretion at the lowest concentration tested (0.33 μM) without any effect on Na+ excretion. These peptides may influence salt and water homeostasis by biological effects in the kidney that are mediated by the intracellular second messenger, cGMP.

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Children tolerated AG-supplemented enteral formula well, and it significantly improved cumulative WHZ and WAZ over 120 days in comparison with children in the placebo glycine group. The data also suggested a beneficial effect of AG in the barrier function paracellular pathway, albeit with reduced mannitol excretion. Thus, although the effect of AG on reduced mannitol concentration requires clarification, AG appears to improve nutrition and barrier function.

From 1992 to 1995, 688 accidents by venomous snakes (mean of 192 cases/year) have been notified to the Health Ministry of the State of Ceará, with an incidence between 0.9 and 5.8/100.000 inhabitants. Among 473 cases, 88.3% were of the genus. Bothrops, 10.7% Crotalus, 0.8% Micrurus and 0.2% Lachesis. The highest incidence occurred from April to September. Male (75.6%) predominated with ages from 10 to 49 years old (72.3%). The more frequently bitten anatomical region were the lower limbs (81.9%) and upper limbs (14.7%). The attendance at health unit which notified the accident took place within 6 hours in 66.9% of the cases. Lethality was 0.7%. The afflicted people were mainly peasants (62.7%), and most of the accidents took place in their own work place. The authors emphasize that the snake bites in the state of Ceará may be considered work accidents, concern mainly peasants and constitute a cause of death.

The results indicate that the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Cc-SP2 could be of biomedical applicability as a new, natural tool in pain and acute inflammatory conditions.