Stability of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in whole blood and plasma stored under different conditions when measured with the Biosite Triage or Beckman-Coulter Access systems.

摘要

Dear editor, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a neurohormone synthesized by myocytes as a 108 amino acid precursor. According to the conventional model, upon stimulus for release this precursor is enzymatically cleaved into the active 32-amino acid BNP hormone and a physiologically inactive N-terminal protein having 76 amino acids . BNP is released in response to increased hemodynamic stress such as fluid overload and increased wall tension, and is involved in regulating blood pressure, sodium excretion and fluid balance. Other physiologic actions of BNP include inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system, counterbalance of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and inhibition of the endothelins, vasopressin, and cytokines [1-3], Plasma BNP naturally increases with age and are higher in women than in men. Age-related increase in BNP may be due to decline in the renal function and reduced clearance related to aging. Higher cutoffs must be considered when evaluating patients with renal insufficiency .