ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide) vs BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide)
ANP is a cardiac hormone released by atrial myocytes in response to stretch. It promotes natriuresis, diuresis, and vasodilation, playing key roles in blood pressure and fluid regulation.
Full details →BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)
BNP is a cardiac neurohormone released primarily by ventricles in response to volume/pressure overload. It's a major biomarker for heart failure and has therapeutic applications as nesiritide.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide) | BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR-A) to activate guanylyl cyclase, producing cGMP. This leads to vasodilation, increased kidney filtration, and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. | Similar to ANP - activates NPR-A receptors to produce vasodilation, natriuresis, and RAAS suppression. Released in response to ventricular wall stress. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical use: Carperitide (recombinant ANP) used in Japan for acute heart failure at 0.1mcg/kg/min IV infusion. | Nesiritide (recombinant BNP): 2mcg/kg IV bolus followed by 0.01mcg/kg/min continuous infusion for acute decompensated heart failure. |
| Administration | Intravenous infusion only for clinical applications. Short half-life (~2 minutes) requires continuous administration. | Intravenous administration only. Used in acute care settings for heart failure. BNP levels also used diagnostically. |
| Side Effects | Hypotension (dose-limiting), headache, nausea, and potential arrhythmias at high doses. | Hypotension (common and dose-limiting), headache, nausea, and potential renal function worsening in some patients. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide) and BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide) are commonly used for: