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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
08:34
Isolation of Atrial Myocytes from Adult Mice
Published on: July 25, 2019
Human pro-B-type natriuretic peptide is processed in the circulation in a rat model
Alexander G Semenov1, Karina R Seferian, Natalia N Tamm
1HyTest Ltd., Turku, Finland. alexander.semenov@hytest.fi
Clinical Chemistry
|April 9, 2011
Summary
The precursor B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP) is processed into active BNP within circulation. This processing appears to be a regulatory step, not just degradation, with proBNP clearance similar to BNP.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) appearance results from proteolytic processing of its precursor, proBNP.
- Mechanisms behind high plasma concentrations of unprocessed proBNP remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate if proBNP processing occurs in circulation.
- Evaluate clearance rates of proBNP and its derived peptides.
Main Methods:
- Injected human proBNP, BNP, and NT-proBNP into rats.
- Analyzed peptide immunoreactivity, utilizing immunoassays, gel filtration, and mass spectrometry.
- Examined glycosylated and nonglycosylated forms of proBNP and NT-proBNP.
Main Results:
- ProBNP was processed in circulation into BNP and truncated BNP forms.
- Glycosylation near the cleavage site inhibited proBNP processing.
- Terminal half-lives: glycosylated proBNP (9.0 min), BNP (6.4 min), NT-proBNP (approx. 15.5 min).
Conclusions:
- Human proBNP is processed to active BNP within circulation in rats.
- ProBNP clearance rate is comparable to BNP.
- Peripheral proBNP processing may be a significant regulatory mechanism.
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