Functional evidence for an active role of B-type natriuretic peptide in cardiac remodelling and pro-arrhythmogenicity

During heart failure (HF), the left ventricle (LV) releases B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), possibly contributing to adverse cardiovascular events including ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and LV remodelling. We investigated the cardiac effects of chronic BNP elevation in healthy mice and compared the results with a model of HF after myocardial infarction (PMI mice).

Healthy mice were exposed to circulating BNP levels (BNP-Sham) similar to those measured in PMI mice. Telemetric surface electrocardiograms showed that in contrast with fibrotic PMI mice, electrical conduction was not affected in BNP-Sham mice. VAs were observed in both BNP-Sham and PMI but not in Sham mice. Analysis of heart rate variability indicated that chronic BNP infusion increased cardiac sympathetic tone. At the cellular level, BNP reduced Ca²⁺ transients and impaired Ca²⁺ reuptake in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, in line with blunted SR Ca²⁺ ATPase 2a and S100A1 expression. BNP increased Ca²⁺ spark frequency, reflecting Ca²⁺ leak through ryanodine receptors, elevated diastolic Ca²⁺, and promoted spontaneous Ca²⁺ waves. Similar effects were observed in PMI mice. Most of these effects were reduced in BNP-Sham and PMI mice by the selective β1-adrenergic blocker metoprolol.

Elevated BNP levels, by inducing sympathetic overdrive and altering Ca²⁺ handling, promote adverse cardiac remodelling and VAs, which could account in part for the progression of HF after MI. The early use of β-blockers to prevent the deleterious effects of chronic BNP exposure may be beneficial in HF.