Slower onset of vasodilating action of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) compared to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in human forearm resistant vessels.

PURPOSE

To investigate possible differences in the time course of vasodilating effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in humans.

METHODS

We measured forearm blood flow (FBF) by strain gauge plethymography and cyclic GMP spillover during and after intra-arterial infusions of BNP and ANP at 16.2 pmol/min for 30 min in healthy subjects.

RESULTS

The steady-state responses of FBF and cyclic GMP to the infusion were achieved approximately 20 min after commencement of the infusion of BNP, but within 5 min for ANP, with similar magnitudes of maximum responses. These parameters more slowly returned to the baseline value after withdrawal of the BNP infusion than after the ANP infusion.

CONCLUSION

The onset and disappearance of the guanylate cyclase-stimulating and vasodilating effects of BNP were significantly slower than those of ANP. This differing mode of vasodilator action may be relevant to the therapeutic use of natriuretic peptides.