Background: In this experimental study, alterations in plasma C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) levels were evaluated during the critical initial hours of peripheral ischemia.

Methods: Forty male Sprague-Dawley type rats (aged 8 to 12 weeks, weighing 230±30 g) were included in the study. Four groups were created with 10 rats namely control group, group 1, group 2, and group 3. Baseline plasma CNP levels were detected in the control group without any intervention, while the plasma CNP levels were determined in the second hour of peripheral ischemia in group 1. Plasma CNP levels were determined in the fifth hour of peripheral ischemia for group 2, whereas plasma CNP levels were determined in group 3 at the eighth hour of peripheral ischemia.

Results: The baseline plasma CNP levels were 0.285±0.011 pmol/L in the control group. In rats with peripheral ischemia, a significant time-dependent increase was detected in plasma levels of CNP (p<0.05). The plasma CNP levels were detected as 0.350±0.015, 0.486±0.084, and 0.534±0.048 pmol/L in group 1, 2, and 3 respectively.

Conclusion: Plasma CNP, an endothelium-derived vasodilator, is associated with the cellular response in ischemic tissues in a time-dependent manner.

Keywords : C-type natriuretic peptide; ischemic response; peripheral ischemia