Which natriuretic peptide is released from the ventricles in response to increased wall tension?

• A. BNP
• B. ANP
• C. CNP
• D. DNP

Answer: (A)

When the ventricles are stretched by increased wall tension from volume or pressure overload, the heart releases B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). This peptide helps relieve the stress by promoting natriuresis and diuresis, dilating vessels to lower afterload, and dampening the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and sympathetic activity. That ventricle-derived response distinguishes BNP from other family members: ANP comes from the atria in response to atrial stretch, and CNP is produced mainly by endothelium with different, often paracrine, roles. So the peptide released by the ventricles in response to increased wall tension is BNP.