A new molecule in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: dendroaspis natriuretic peptide

Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP) is the most recently identified member of the natriuretic peptide family. Although DNP has similar structure and function to other members, it is genetically different. The other members are known to cause vasorelaxation but the effects of DNP on vascular structure still remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to find out the role of DNP in the development of vasospasm following aneurysmal SAH (subarachnoid hemorrhage). DNP levels of 17 patients diagnosed with aneurysmal SAH and 25 volunteers as control were measured. All SAH patients were treated with aneurysm clip. Five ml of venous blood sample was obtained on postoperative 1, 3 and 7th days from each patient. Additionally, DNP levels were determined by obtaining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) postoperative 1, 3 and 7th days. Statistically significant difference was observed between cerebrospinal fluid DNP levels on day 1 and day 3 (P < 0.05). This study suggests that DNP can be anticipated among molecules leading development of vasospasm. The findings of present study are believed to encourage further studies regarding receptors and receptor specific drugs.