Differential regulation of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides and its implications for the management of left ventricular volume overload

Background In this study, we investigated the possibility that the atrial and brain natriuretic peptide expression in left ventricular volume overload (VOL) is transcriptionally regulated. We further evaluated the diagnostic and/or prognostic potential of this expression for the management of patients with this disorder. Design We compared the myocardial mRNA expression and plasma levels of the two peptides in VOL patients using donor hearts and in healthy blood donors as controls. Results The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) mRNA was elevated by 38% (P