Dehydration and the natriuretic peptide system in the toad, Bufo marinus

The natriuretic peptide system is a family of related proteins that in humans function to reduce blood pressure and blood volume. However, in amphibians the function is less well understood. This thesis demonstrates that the amphibian, Bufo marinus, possesses a well-developed natriuretic peptide system that is capable of responding to changes induced by dehydration.