Circulating levels of C-type natriuretic peptides in sheep exposed to a hypobaric atmosphere

Abstract

Non-pregnant and twin bearing maternal ewes (n = 4) of mixed age were gradually introduced to a hypobaric atmosphere of 10-11% oxygen saturation. Plasma concentrations of both C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and its amino terminal form (NTproCNP) are elevated during pregnancy in sheep and humans. However, there was no effect of temporary hypoxia on circulating concentrations of these peptides in the pregnant or non-pregnant ewes studied here. This finding shows that a gradual exposure to a profoundly hypobaric atmosphere of short duration, does not alter secretion of CNP peptides in the circulation of sheep.