Brain and C-type natriuretic peptide are expressed by the human placenta and are not altered with preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, or placental hypoxia

Abstract

Introduction: The natriuretic peptide system is a critical regulator of hemodynamic function. Yet its expression in the human placenta has had limited investigation, despite its clear relevance to pregnancy. Preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction are serious conditions of pregnancy, whereby placental dysfunction is central to their pathophysiology. Here, we set out to characterise expression of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in human placenta. Methods: CNP, BNP, NPR-B and NPR-C expression was assessed in placental tissue from preeclamptic (preterm n = 73; term n = 5), fetal growth restricted (preterm n = 20; term n = 6) and normotensive pregnancies (f..