Adrenomedullin: view on a novel vasodilatory peptide with natriuretic properties

Although initially described in human pheochromocytoma, adrenomedullin has been isolated in several animal and human peripheral organs, including cardiovascular tissues. In experimental models, adrenomedullin exerts potent vasodilatory and natriuretic properties which could participate to maintain physiological cardiovascular and renal homeostasis. Whether adrenomedullin is powerful in humans remains to be proven. On the basis of increased plasma levels in hypertension and heart failure, adrenomedullin is suspected to contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases. A reduced clearance is another possibility but has not yet been investigated in these pathological states. Finally, the ubiquitous distribution of adrenomedullin suggest various other biological activities that need to be established in future.