B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a 32-amino-acid cardiac hormone (MW ~3464 g/mol) secreted primarily by ventricular cardiomyocytes in response to myocardial wall stress from volume overload or pressure overload. It is both a critical diagnostic biomarker for heart failure (BNP/NT-proBNP assays) and the basis for the therapeutic agent nesiritide (recombinant BNP). Originally identified in porcine brain tissue, hence the historical name "brain natriuretic peptide."
Category: Cardiovascular / Natriuretic. Evidence rating: B (meaningful human data).
Clinical status: Established diagnostic biomarker for heart failure. Recombinant form (nesiritide) is FDA-approved for acute decompensated heart failure.
BNP binds to natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A), activating the intracellular guanylyl cyclase domain and increasing cGMP production. cGMP activates protein kinase G (PKG), which mediates vasodilation by reducing intracellular calcium in smooth muscle, promotes natriuresis by inhibiting sodium…
Safety considerations: Endogenous BNP is a normal physiological hormone with no inherent toxicity; As a biomarker test, BNP/NT-proBNP assays carry no direct safety risks; Exogenous recombinant BNP (nesiritide) safety profile includes hypotension and potential renal effects (see nesiritide entry).
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Molecular weight | ~3464 g/mol |
|---|---|
| Half-life | ~20 minutes (BNP); ~120 minutes (NT-proBNP) |
| Production method | recombinant |
| Anti-doping status | not-listed |
| US regulatory status | BNP and NT-proBNP assays are FDA-cleared as diagnostic aids for heart failure. Recombinant BNP (nesiritide/Natrecor) is FDA-approved for ADHF. |
Related peptides: Nesiritide, Atrial Natriuretic Peptide.
BNP (32 AA, half-life ~20 min) is the biologically active hormone that binds NPR-A. NT-proBNP (76 AA, half-life ~120 min) is the inactive N-terminal fragment released in equimolar amounts during proBNP processing. Both are used as biomarkers, but they have different cutoff values and kinetics. NT-proBNP is preferred when monitoring patients on sacubitril-valsartan because neprilysin inhibition…
BNP <100 pg/mL makes heart failure unlikely. BNP 100-400 pg/mL is a gray zone requiring clinical correlation. BNP >400 pg/mL strongly suggests heart failure. For NT-proBNP, age-stratified cutoffs apply: <300 pg/mL rules out acute HF; >450 (age <50), >900 (age 50-75), or >1800 pg/mL (age >75) suggest HF (ESC guidelines).
BNP was first identified in porcine brain tissue by Sudoh et al. in 1988. It was subsequently found to be produced primarily by cardiac ventricles, not the brain. The name "brain natriuretic peptide" persists historically, though "B-type natriuretic peptide" is now preferred.