Npr2 mutant mice show vasodilation and undeveloped adipocytes in mesentery

OBJECTIVE: The biological importance for the signaling of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) has been recognized. However, the details remain unclear and are debatable. The Npr2 is a gene of NPR-B, and we previously reported a unique phenotype of a spontaneous mutant mouse lacking Npr2 (Npr2(slw/slw)), such as severe ileus-like disorder with bloodless blood vessels. In this study, we analyzed the bloodless mesenteric vascular morphology of Npr2(slw/slw) by histological observation to clarify the effects of the CNP/NPR-B signal deficiency. RESULTS: Blood vessels in the mesentery were clearly dilated in the preweaning Npr2(slw/slw) mice. Additionally, in the Npr2(slw/slw) mice, the lacteals were partially dilation or randomly direction mucosal epithelial cells in villi, and mesenteric adipocytes were undeveloped. These findings provide important information for understanding the role of CNP/NPR-B signals on intestine with mesentery.