Alpha-Defensin vs ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Alpha-Defensin
Alpha-defensins are small cationic peptides that are key components of the innate immune system. They have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.
Full details →ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide)
ANP is a cardiac hormone released by atrial myocytes in response to stretch. It promotes natriuresis, diuresis, and vasodilation, playing key roles in blood pressure and fluid regulation.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Alpha-Defensin | ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Insert into microbial membranes to form pores, leading to cell death. Also have immunomodulatory effects including chemotaxis of immune cells and cytokine modulation. | Binds to natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR-A) to activate guanylyl cyclase, producing cGMP. This leads to vasodilation, increased kidney filtration, and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. |
| Typical Dosage | Research compound - dosing varies by application. Typically studied in laboratory and early clinical research settings rather than for general use. | Clinical use: Carperitide (recombinant ANP) used in Japan for acute heart failure at 0.1mcg/kg/min IV infusion. |
| Administration | Various routes studied including topical, local injection, and systemic administration depending on application. | Intravenous infusion only for clinical applications. Short half-life (~2 minutes) requires continuous administration. |
| Side Effects | Limited human use data. May cause local inflammation. Potential for immune activation effects. | Hypotension (dose-limiting), headache, nausea, and potential arrhythmias at high doses. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Alpha-Defensin and ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide) are commonly used for: