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Brain natriuretic peptide-like immunoreactivity is present in human plasma
1Kitasato Biochemical Laboratories, Department of Physiology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan.
FEBS Letters
|July 3, 1989
Summary
A new radioimmunoassay (RIA) detected brain natriuretic peptide-like immunoreactivity (BNP-LI) in human plasma. This finding suggests a circulating form of BNP distinct from human atrial natriuretic peptides (hANP) exists in blood.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone primarily produced in the brain.
- Its role in human circulation and potential presence in plasma were previously unclear.
- Existing assays lacked specificity for novel BNP forms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a highly specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for porcine brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).
- To determine the presence and characteristics of BNP-like immunoreactivity (BNP-LI) in human plasma.
- To differentiate BNP-LI from known human atrial natriuretic peptides (hANP).
Main Methods:
- Development of a specific RIA using an antibody against porcine BNP.
- Extraction of human plasma samples using Sep-Pak cartridges.
- Analysis of BNP-LI using reverse-phase HPLC coupled with the established BNP RIA.
Main Results:
- The RIA demonstrated high specificity for BNP, with no cross-reactivity to hANP.
- The assay could detect BNP-LI as low as 0.1 fmol/tube after plasma extraction.
- Mean plasma BNP-LI concentrations in 12 healthy subjects were 1.5 fmol/ml.
- HPLC analysis revealed a single major BNP-LI component distinct from alpha-hANP, corresponding to porcine BNP(1-26).
Conclusions:
- A novel, highly sensitive RIA for porcine BNP was successfully established.
- BNP-like immunoreactivity (BNP-LI) is present in human plasma.
- The detected BNP-LI represents a distinct circulating molecule, likely a small molecular mass form, separate from alpha-hANP.