Enhancement of Natriuretic Peptides in Rejected Human Renal Graft

Natriuretic peptides include atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). ANP, BNP and CNP are structure related but genetic distinct 1 natriuretic peptide family. ANP and BNP are cardiac cell origin and CNP are endothelial cell and kidney origin. Natriuretic peptides have potent vasoactive and natriuretic actions through generation of cGMP. On the other hand, renal graft rejection is major problem after kidney transplantation with severe renal damage and renal vasoconstriction. We hypothesized that renal tissue level of natriuretic peptides increase in renal graft rejection through compensatory mechanism. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the expression of natriuretic peptides by immunohistochemical staining (IHCS) in human renal tissue with rejection and compare with normal renal tissue.Human renal biopsy (n=5) were obtained after kidney transplantation with mild and moderate renal rejection. Normal kidney biopsy was obtained during nephrectomy. ANP, BNP and CNP levels in renal tissue were determined by IHCS.