NT-ProBNP levels, water and sodium homeostasis in healthy men: effects of 7 days of dry immersion

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2011 Sep;111(9):2229-37. doi: 10.1007/s00421-011-1858-7. Epub 2011 Feb 16.

Abstract

Immersion is a useful tool for studying fluid-volume homeostasis. Natriuretic peptides play a vital role in renal, humoral, and cardiovascular regulation under changing environmental conditions. We hypothesized that dry immersion would rapidly induce a new steady state for water and sodium metabolism, and that serum NT-proBNP levels, a proxy measure for brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), would decrease during long-term dry immersion and increase during recovery. Eight healthy young men were studied before, during, and after 7 days of dry immersion. Body weight, water balance, and plasma volume changes were evaluated. Plasma and serum samples were analyzed for active renin, NT-proBNP, aldosterone, electrolytes, osmolality, total protein, and creatinine. Urine samples were analyzed to determine levels of electrolytes, osmolality, creatinine, and free cortisol. A stand test was performed before and after dry immersion to evaluate cardiovascular deconditioning. Long-term dry immersion induced acute changes in water and sodium homeostasis on day 1, followed by a new steady state. Plasma volume decreased significantly during dry immersion. The serum levels of NT-proBNP increased significantly in recovery (10 ± 3 ng/L before dry immersion vs. 26 ± 5 ng/L on the fourth recovery day). Heart rate in the standing position was significantly greater after immersion. Results suggest that chronic dry immersion rapidly induced a new level of water-electrolyte homeostasis. The increase in NT-proBNP levels during the recovery period may be related to greater cardiac work and might reflect the degree of cardiovascular deconditioning.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Water / metabolism
  • Body Water / physiology*
  • Desiccation
  • Health
  • Homeostasis / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Immersion / adverse effects
  • Immersion / physiopathology*
  • Male
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / blood*
  • Peptide Fragments / blood*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Sodium / metabolism*
  • Time Factors
  • Water-Electrolyte Balance / physiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Peptide Fragments
  • pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76)
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain
  • Sodium