ADRENOMEDULLIN - PHYSIOLOGICAL REGULATOR OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR-SYSTEMOR BIOCHEMICAL CURIOSITY

Adrenomedullin is a potent vasodilator peptide that exerts major effec ts on cardiovascular function. Adrenomedullin is biosynthesized in a w ide variety of organs and cells, although it was initially isolated fr om human pheochromocytoma tissue. In addition to adrenomedullin, proad renomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide was found to be processed from adre nomedullin precursor, Both adrenomedullin and proadrenomedullin N-term inal 20 peptide show hypotensive effects in anesthetized rats, but exh ibit different hypotensive mechanisms. Further, adrenomedullin possess es multiple biological effects involved in cardiovascular homeostasis. Plasma adrenomedullin concentration is increased in patients with car diovascular diseases such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, r enal failure and septic shock. The present review summarizes the recen t advancement of adrenomedullin research and demonstrates that adrenom edullin is one of the important vasoactive peptides involved in the ph ysiology and pathophysiology of circulatory control and control of bod y fluid.