In light of the observations in this study that CNP is intimately involved in regulation of the volume reflex and thus fluid balance, it certainly deserves further investigation in the future to clarify the role of CNP in the CNS in disease conditions, such as chronic heart failure and hypertension characterized by augmented sympathetic drive and altered fluid balance (Leenen 2007; Floras 2009). Here, CNP is linked to hypertensive disorder.