Molecular forms of atrial natriuretic peptide in the atrium of patients with cardiovascular disease

To determine the molecular forms of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in patients with cardiovascular disease, we analyzed the ANP content in the right atrium using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography and RIA. Tissue from 35 patients, ranging in age from 1 month to 64 yr, was studied. The right atrial ANP content was high in patients with congestive heart failure regardless of age. We found three ANP components (alpha-, beta-, and gamma ANP), as previously found in tissue obtained at autopsy. In patients younger than 20 yr old, the major component was gamma ANP. In older patients, the frequency and content of the two low mol wt forms, especially beta ANP, were increased. The differences in the content and molecular forms of ANP in atrial tissue reflect the pathological state in patients with cardiovascular diseases, as well as the patient's age.