Which natriuretic peptide is produced primarily by the ventricles in response to stretch?

• A. A-type natriuretic peptide
• B. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
• C. C-type natriuretic peptide
• D. D-type natriuretic peptide

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is where the heart’s natriuretic peptide is produced in response to wall stretch. Ventricular stretch from increased pressure or volume triggers the ventricles to release B-type natriuretic peptide. BNP acts to reduce blood volume and pressure by promoting sodium excretion and vasodilation, and it also inhibits renin release, helping to counteract the mechanisms that raise blood pressure.

This is why BNP is the best answer: it is the peptide produced predominantly by the ventricles in response to stretch. In contrast, A-type natriuretic peptide comes mainly from atrial myocytes in response to atrial stretch, C-type natriuretic peptide is produced largely by endothelial tissues and other sites with different roles, and D-type natriuretic peptide is not a primary circulating hormone produced by the ventricles.