Brain natriuretic peptide

Brain natriuretic peptide or B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (also ventricular natriuretic peptide) is a 32-amino acid polypeptide secreted by the ventricles of the heart in response to excessive stretching of heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes). The release of BNP is modulated by calcium ions. BNP is named as such because it was originally identified in extracts of porcine brain, although in humans it is produced mainly in the cardiac ventricles.