Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Isolation, Expansion, and Adipogenic Induction of CD34+CD31+ Endothelial Cells from Human Omental and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue
Published on: July 17, 2018
Expression of the adrenomedullin gene in adipose tissue
Takuo Nambu1, Hiroshi Arai, Yasato Komatsu
1Department of Medicine and Clinical Science Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
Abstract:
Adrenomedullin (AM) is a potent vasodilating peptide originally isolated from human pheochromocytoma cells. This report concerns the expression and secretion of AM from adipose tissue. Northern blot analysis demonstrated marked expression of AM mRNA in mouse adipose tissue. Expression levels in adipose tissues were 2.5-3.2 times higher than in the kidney. AM mRNA level in mature adipocytes was 7.3 times higher than in the stroma-vascular fraction of adipose tissue. In mature adipocyte culture, time-dependent increase of AM peptide concentration in the culture medium was detected. AM expression was also detected in human subcutaneous adipose tissue. Adipose AM expression significantly increased in obesity mouse model, high-fat diet fed mice and ob/ob mice. These results suggest that adipose tissue, especially mature adipocytes, is major source of AM in the body, and that adipocyte-derived AM plays a pathophysiological role in obesity.
Insights
Adipose tissue, particularly mature adipocytes, is a major source of adrenomedullin (AM), a peptide hormone. Adipocyte-derived AM plays a role in obesity, with expression increasing in obese models.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Adrenomedullin (AM) is a peptide known for its potent vasodilatory effects.
- AM was initially isolated from human pheochromocytoma cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and secretion of AM from adipose tissue.
- To determine if adipose tissue is a significant source of AM.
- To explore the role of AM in obesity.
Main Methods:
- Northern blot analysis to detect AM mRNA levels in mouse adipose tissue.
- Culture of mature adipocytes to measure AM peptide secretion.
- Analysis of AM expression in human subcutaneous adipose tissue.
- Assessment of AM expression in diet-induced and genetic obesity mouse models.
Main Results:
- Adipose tissue exhibits marked expression of AM mRNA, significantly higher than in kidney tissue.
- Mature adipocytes show substantially higher AM mRNA levels compared to the stromal-vascular fraction.
- AM peptide secretion increases over time in mature adipocyte cultures.
- AM expression is elevated in adipose tissue of obese mice (high-fat diet and ob/ob models).
Conclusions:
- Adipose tissue, especially mature adipocytes, represents a major source of AM in the body.
- Adipocyte-derived AM is implicated in the pathophysiology of obesity.
- These findings highlight a novel endocrine function of adipose tissue.

