What substance is released in response to ventricular stretch?

The substance that is released in response to ventricular stretch is Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP). This hormone is secreted by the ventricles of the heart when they experience increased pressure or volume overload, which often occurs in conditions such as heart failure. It functions to promote vasodilation and natriuresis (the excretion of sodium in urine), thereby helping to reduce the workload on the heart and alleviate symptoms of heart failure.

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is released from the atria of the heart in response to atrial stretch, primarily due to increased blood volume, but it is not specifically associated with ventricular stretch. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) are not directly involved in the response to ventricular stretch; ADH primarily regulates water balance, while CRH is involved in the stress response and does not play a role in cardiac function in this context.

Thus, BNP is the correct response to ventricular stretch, as it is specific to the response of the ventricular myocardium under conditions of stress.