The guanylin peptides could be related to sodium absorption inhibition and water secretion induction and their dysfunction may be related to various pathologies such as chronic renal failure, congestive heart failure and nephrotic syndrome.
The plasma concentration of immunoreactive guanylin in the normal individuals tested was 31.2 +/- 3.0 fmol/ml (mean +/- SE) and that in patients with chronic renal failure who were undergoing hemodialysis 7,924 +/- 2,140 fmol/ml.