CHRONIC ETHANOL TREATMENT INCREASES THE CIRCULATING PLASMA-LEVELS OF B-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE (BNP-45) IN THE RAT

Chronic ethanol ingestion is associated with a number of cardiovascula r disorders, including stroke, heart failure, and hypertension. Given that the regulation of A-type natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type nat riuretic peptide (BNP) is known to be altered in both congestive heart failure and essential hypertension, we have investigated the regulati on of BNP under the influence of ethanol ingestion. Sprague-Dawley rat s were given ethanol in drinking fluid for a 6-week period, while a we ight-matched liquid-restricted group received an equivalent volume of ethanol-free solution. Plasma BNP levels were increased in ethanol-tre ated animals relative to both liquid-restricted and normal control gro ups. No changes in cardiac BNP gene expression were observed, but an i ncreased trend in atrial tissue BNP levels was evident. No changes in either the mRNA, tissue, or plasma levels of ANP were evident. These r esults suggest a differential regulation of natriuretic peptides under the influence of ethanol, and implicate chronic ethanol ingestion as a further clinical condition under which the plasma levels of a natriu retic peptide may be elevated.