Influence of Altitude Training on Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Atrial Natriuretic Peptide in Japanese Collegiate Swimmers

Objective and method: To examine the effect of altitude swimming training on BNP (Brain natriuretic peptide) and ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide) levels, and evaluate if BNP and ANP can be hemodynamic markers of hypoxia- and traininginduced stress, Ten collegiate swimmers (Tr) who participated in the altitude training camp at 1900m and 5 healthy subjects (Con) were participated in this study. Blood samples were obtained before the training (day0: Pre), during the training (day5: T1, 10: T2, 16: T3), and after the training (5th after descent: Post). Results: Chronologically, BNP of Tr decreased immediately after ascent and increased thereafter, however the changes were not significant. ANP levels were almost unchanged in Tr, whereas there was an increase at T1 in Con compared with Tr (P