Brain natriuretic peptide

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Brain natriuretic peptide (also known as B-type natriuretic peptide or "GC-B") is a 32-amino-acid polypeptide secreted by the ventricles of the heart in response to excessive stretching of myocytes (heart muscles cells) in the ventricles. At the time of release, a co-secreted 76 amino acid n-terminal fragment (NT-proBNP) is also released with BNP. BNP binds to and activates NPRA in a similar fashion to atrial natriuretic peptide but with 10-fold lower affinity. The biological half-life of BNP however, is twice as long as that of ANP. Both ANP and BNP have limited ability to bind and activate NPRB.

Tests showing elevated levels of BNP or NT-proBNP in the blood are used as a diagnosis of heart failure and may be useful to establish prognosis in heart failure, as both markers are typically higher in patients with worse outcome.

Both BNP and NT-proBNP have been approved as a marker for acute congestive heart failure (CHF). The plasma concentrations of both BNP are increased in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.

Brain natriuretic peptide was originally identified in extracts of porcine brain, but in humans it is produced mainly in the cardiac ventricles.

BNP is also marketed as (nesiritide) for the treatment of acute decompensated congestive heart failure.

[edit] References

• Bhatia V, Nayyar P, Dhindsa S. "Brain natriuretic peptide in diagnosis and treatment of heart failure.". J Postgrad Med 49 (2): 182-5. PMID 12867703. Full text