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Multiple Choice

What effect do ANP and BNP have on blood volume and blood pressure?

ANP and BNP are natriuretic peptides released when the heart experiences volume or wall stretch. They act to reduce the body's volume load and pressure. In the kidneys, they promote natriuresis and diuresis—sodium and water are excreted in urine—which lowers blood volume. They also cause vasodilation, decreasing systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. Additionally, they suppress renin release and aldosterone (and ADH) help retain less water and salt. Put together, the net effect is a decrease in both blood volume and blood pressure. These peptides don’t raise volume or pressure, nor do they primarily increase heart rate or venous return, and they do have a clear effect on blood volume.

ANP and BNP are natriuretic peptides released when the heart experiences volume or wall stretch. They act to reduce the body's volume load and pressure. In the kidneys, they promote natriuresis and diuresis—sodium and water are excreted in urine—which lowers blood volume. They also cause vasodilation, decreasing systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. Additionally, they suppress renin release and aldosterone (and ADH) help retain less water and salt. Put together, the net effect is a decrease in both blood volume and blood pressure. These peptides don’t raise volume or pressure, nor do they primarily increase heart rate or venous return, and they do have a clear effect on blood volume.