The present invention is based upon the observation that inhibition of NPR-C Signaling pathway leads to the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Accordingly, the invention provides a mouse model for PAH, and proposes a method of using synthetic analogs of the NPR-C signaling pathway, specifically synthetic C-type atrial natriuretic factor or intermediates for, or modulators of, the NPR-C signaling pathway as anti-pulmonary vasculopathy agents. Activators of the NPR-C signaling pathway are disclosed to treat or prevent vasculopathy, including but not limited to PAH and other types of pulmonary hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, critical limb ischemia, coronary artery disease, and diabetic vasculopathy.
