Abstract: Objective To study the correlation between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac diastolic and systolic function. Methods 60 New Zealand male rabbits were randomly assigned to two groups. The abdominal aorta 1 cm just above right renal artery were constricted in operated group. The clinical manifestation of heart failure was observed, and cardiac structure and function were investigated with echocardiography. Concentration of serum NT-proBNP was determined regularly. Results The concentration of NT-proBNP was correlated with Sm（r=－0.635,P=0.000）, Em（r=－0.693,P=0.000）, E/Em（r=0.688,P=0.000）, E/Vp（r=0.707, P=0.000）, and EF（r=－0.395,P=0.001）. Conclusion Concentration of serum NT-proBNP could prognose the diastolic and long axis systolic function of left ventricle.

Key words: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), cardiac function, echocardiography