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Semin Vasc Med 2004; 4(2): 129-134
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-835370
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA.

Adrenomedullin: Its Role in the Cardiovascular System

Bernard M.Y Cheung1 , Carol Y.Y Li2 , Louisa Y.F Wong1
  • 1Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
  • 2Department of Physiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
11 October 2004 (online)

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Adrenomedullin is a 52-amino acid peptide that was first isolated from human pheochromocytoma. Subsequently, it was found to be distributed widely in the body, including throughout the cardiovascular system. It belongs to a family of peptides that include calcitonin gene-related peptide and amylin. Adrenomedullin causes vasorelaxation and influences vascular proliferation and interacts closely with nitric oxide, and it may have a role in the pathophysiology of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and cardiac and renal failure. Nonpeptide agonists or antagonists of adrenomedullin may have potential therapeutic application. The role of adrenomedullin in septicemic shock also merits further investigation.

KEYWORDS

Adrenomedullin - peptide - cardiovascular system - vasodilation - nitric oxide

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 Dr.
Bernard M.Y Cheung

Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital

Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China