[Changes in content of plasma brain natriuretic peptide in dilated cardiomyopathy in rabbits].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes in plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in adriamycin-induced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in rabbit, and to evaluated the significance. METHODS: Twenty-two rabbits were randomly divided into control group (n=10) and model group(n=12). The DCM model was reproduced by injecting adriamycin via ear vein for 8 weeks. Echocardiogram was performed and plasma BNP were measured before administration, and at 8 th and 11 th week after the challenge. Indexes of hemodynamics and pathological changes were observed. RESULTS: Indexes of echocardiogram and hemodynamics of model group were consistent with pathologic changes of DCM. Plasma levels of BNP of the model group were increased significantly after administration of the drug(all P<0.01), though the values before the drug administration were approximately the same as in the control group. Plasma BNP levels were significantly higher in DCM group at the 11 th week than at the 8 th week (P<0.05). Plasma levels of BNP were positively correlated with and left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP) and negatively correlated with left ventricular systolic pressure(LVSP), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). CONCLUSION: Administration of intravenous adriamycin to rabbits results in DCM which in suitable for the conduction of research of neuroendocrine abnormality of heart. Overload of the left ventricle and increasing tension of left ventricular wall are key factors for regulating BNP excretion. Plasma BNP level is a good marker for evaluating degree of severity of cardiac function in DCM.