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Introduction The effects of exogenous BNP post-myocardial infarction (MI) are not known. We tested the hypothesis that in-vivo infusion of BNP would improve cardiac function and affect left ventricular (LV) remodeling in an experimental model of MI. Methods MI was induced by LAD ligation in rats and confirmed by echocardiography. 19 rats were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: Sham; MI + saline; MI + BNP (400 ng/kg/min). Infusions were delivered for 7 days via venous catheters tunneled to an infusion pump. Rats were followed for 8 wks. Echocardiography, hemodynamics and in vivo and ex vivo pressure-volume relationships were then obtained. Results Rats with MI developed HF vs. Sham surgery rats, with a reduced fractional shortening (FS) and increased LV end-diastolic pressure. BNP attenuated the decline in FS vs. HF. LV systolic pressure, dP/dtmax, dP/dtmin, heart weight and myocyte size improved with BNP treatment compared to the control MI group. Serum BNP levels increased during BNP therapy, confirming delivery of BNP vs. other groups. Conclusion We demonstrate beneficial effects on LV function and decreased LV remodeling with BNP infusion in an experimental model of acute MI.

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