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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
A Revised Method for Inducing Secondary Lymphedema in the Hindlimb of Mice
Published on: November 2, 2019
Adrenomedullin induces lymphangiogenesis and ameliorates secondary lymphoedema
Donghao Jin1, Kazuhiko Harada, Shunsuke Ohnishi
1Department of Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 5-7-1 Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan.
Aims:
Adrenomedullin (AM) is a multifunctional peptide hormone that plays a significant role in vasodilation and angiogenesis. Lymphoedema is a common but refractory disorder that is difficult to be treated with conventional therapy. We therefore investigated whether AM promotes lymphangiogenesis and improves lymphoedema.
Methods And Results:
The effects of AM on lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) were investigated. AM promoted proliferation, migration, and network formation of cultured human lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC). AM increased intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level in HLMVEC. The cell proliferation induced by AM was inhibited by a cAMP antagonist and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors. Phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in HLMVEC was increased by AM. Continuous administration of AM (0.05 microg/kg/min) to BALB/c mice with tail lymphoedema resulted in a decrease in lymphoedema thickness. AM treatment increased the number of lymphatic vessels and blood vessels in the injury site.
Conclusion:
AM promoted LEC proliferation at least in part through the cAMP/MEK/ERK pathway, and infusion of AM induced lymphangiogenesis and improved lymphoedema in mice.
