Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a specific biomarker released from the ventricles, particularly in response to increased ventricular volume and pressure, which commonly occurs in cases of left ventricular dysfunction. When the heart is under stress or failing, the ventricles secrete BNP as a compensatory mechanism to help regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, and systemic vascular resistance.
BNP plays a critical role in natriuresis (the excretion of sodium through urine) and diuresis, leading to a reduction in blood volume, which can alleviate some of the workload on the heart. It is used clinically to diagnose and assess the severity of heart failure, and elevated levels of BNP in the bloodstream are indicative of worsening cardiac function.
In contrast, other peptides listed are associated with different physiological responses. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is released from the atria primarily in response to atrial stretch and plays a role in volume regulation rather than direct ventricular dysfunction. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is more involved in vascular biology and does not specifically correlate with ventricular dysfunction. Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor produced by endothelial cells and is involved in the regulation of vascular tone but