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Endothelial cells actively synthesize and secrete adrenomedullin
S Sugo1, N Minamino, K Kangawa
1National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|June 30, 1994
Summary
Vascular endothelial cells actively produce adrenomedullin (AM). This peptide, secreted by endothelial cells, is shown to directly influence vascular smooth muscle cells, regulating vascular tone.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Adrenomedullin (AM) is a peptide hormone with known vasodilatory effects.
- The precise cellular origin and regulation of circulating AM levels remain incompletely understood.
- Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are key components of the vasculature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the production and secretion of AM by cultured vascular endothelial cells (ECs).
- To determine the functional relationship between EC-derived AM and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).
- To identify the primary source of plasma AM.
Main Methods:
- Culture of endothelial cells (ECs) from various species (rat, porcine, human, bovine).
- Detection and quantification of immunoreactive AM (ir-AM) in cell culture media.
- Biochemical characterization of ir-AM using gel filtration and HPLC.
- RNA blot analysis of AM expression in rat tissues.
Main Results:
- ECs actively produce and secrete AM in vitro.
- The secretion rate of AM from rat ECs is comparable to that of endothelin-1.
- Biochemical analysis confirmed the identity of secreted ir-AM as authentic AM.
- RNA blot analysis revealed significantly higher AM expression in cultured ECs compared to adrenal glands.
Conclusions:
- Cultured vascular endothelial cells are a major source of adrenomedullin.
- AM secreted by ECs likely acts directly on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to regulate vascular tone.
- Endothelial cells play a crucial role in modulating vascular function through AM production.