NPR1 and hyperinsulinism: Our and the other groups previously demonstrated that, 1) NPR-1, NPR-2 and NPR-3 mRNAs are expressed in the adipose tissues, however mRNA level of NEP is relatively low [19], and 2) lower NPR-1 mRNA levels and higher NPR-3 mRNA levels in the adipose tissues of ob/ob mice [19] or in the adipose tissues and muscle of diet-induced mice [20], models of hyperinsulinemia, compared to lean mice.