Publications (2)3.75 Total impact
-
Article: Effects of altitude exposure on brain natriuretic peptide in humans.
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is common at high altitude (HA) and associated with a relative failure of the natriuresis and diuresis that occurs at HA. The role of Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) in this context has not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to clarify if BNP rises in response to exercise at HA and if so whether this is related to AMS. 32 healthy subjects had assessments of BNP, aldosterone and AMS scores [as assessed by the AMS-C score of the Environmental Symptom Questionnaire (ESQ) and Lake Louise questionnaire] made following exertion at sea-level (SL), 3,400, 4,300 and 5,150 m. Data were analysed in the 23 subjects who did not consume drugs known to affect acclimatization. BNP (pg/ml, mean ± SEM) was significantly higher at 5,150 m versus the lower altitudes (p < 0.001 for all): 7.1 ± 1; 6.1 ± 0.3; 6.8 ± 0.9 and 17.7 ± 5.1 at sea-level; 3,400, 4,300 and 5,150 m. In those that showed a BNP response at 5,150 m (n = 19) versus those that did not demonstrate a BNP response (n = 4) there was a significant difference in Lake Louise (LL) AMS scores at 5,150 m on day 10 of the expedition (mean LL score 3.3 vs. 0.75, p = 0.034) and day 11 (mean LL score 3.3 vs. 0, p = 0.003). This is the first report to demonstrate a significant rise in BNP at HA. A BNP response at 5,150 m may be associated with a greater likelihood of suffering AMS.Arbeitsphysiologie 03/2011; 111(11):2687-93. · 2.15 Impact Factor -
Article: Brain natriuretic peptide and acute hypobaric hypoxia in humans.
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: In animal models, the secretion of the cardiac hormone, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and its closely related peptide, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), are stimulated by acute hypoxia. There is extensive human evidence for a rise in ANP under acute hypoxic conditions but very little evidence regarding the BNP response to acute hypoxia in humans. We therefore subjected seven healthy subjects to an acute hypobaric hypoxic stimulus to examine if BNP secretion increases rapidly. Significant hypoxaemia (mean nadir oxygen saturation 62.3%) was induced but no significant rise in BNP occurred. This suggests that either such acute hypoxaemia is well tolerated by the healthy human heart or it is not a stimulus for BNP secretion.The Journal of Physiological Sciences 03/2011; 61(3):217-20. · 1.61 Impact Factor
