AIM: To systematically investigate if cGMP/cGMPdependent protein kinase G (PKG) signaling pathway may participate in dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP)-induced relaxation of gastric circular smooth muscle.METHODS: The content of cGMP in guinea pig gastric antral smooth muscle tissue and perfusion solution were measured using radioimmunoassay,spontaneous contraction of gastric antral circular muscles recorded using a 4-channel physiograph; and Ca2+-activated K+currents (Ik(Ca)and spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) in isolated gastric antral myocytes were recorded using the whole-cell patch clamp technique.]RESULTS: DNP markedly enhanced cGMP levels in gastric antral smooth muscle tissue and in the perfusion medium.DNP induced relaxation in gastric antral circular smooth muscle,which was inhibited by KT5823,a cGMP-dependent PKG inhibitor.DNP increased IK(Ca)* This effect was almost completely blocked by KT5823,and partially blocked by LY83583,an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase to change the production of cGMP.DNP also increased STOCs.The effect of DNP on STOCs was abolished in the presence of KT5823,but not affected by KT-5720,a PKA-specific inhibitor.CONCLUSION: DNP activates IK(Ca) and relaxes guinea-pig gastric antral circular smooth muscle via the cGMP/PKG-dependent singling axis instead of cAMP/PKA pathway.