Pro-BNP (47-76) - Hormones

Pro B-type natriuretic peptide (Pro-BNP) is secreted from cardiac myocytes and cleaved into BNP and the remaining part of the prohormone N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP). When the heart fibres become stretched more BNP and NT-proBNP are released to try and compensate for the increased pressure. During heart failure the walls of the atria become over stretched and thus increase the levels of NT-proBNP detectable. NT-proBNP has a longer half-life than BNP and therefore is detectable at higher levels in blood plasma than BNP. NT-pro-BNP is believed to be cleared by renal excretion, but this is not confirmed. As a diagnostic tool, NT-proBNP (47-76) has become very useful in helping diagnose heart failure and provide a prognosis. The measurement of NT-proBNP (47-76) has been incorporated into management and guidelines of clinical settings. As a research tool it still provides valuable data such as symptoms onset in relation to NT-proBNP levels and how inflammation effects the level of BNP as well as the BNP/ NT-proBNP ratio.