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Increased plasma adrenomedullin concentrations during cardiac surgery
T Nishikimi1, Y Hayashi, G Iribu
1Division of Hypertension, National Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan.
Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|December 17, 1998
Summary
Plasma Adrenomedullin (AM) levels increase during cardiac surgery, particularly with longer procedures. These elevated levels suggest AM may function as a vasodilatory hormone post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Physiology
Background:
- Adrenomedullin (AM) is a peptide hormone known for its potent hypotensive effects.
- Elevated plasma AM concentrations are observed in conditions like hypertension, heart failure, and renal failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathophysiological significance and behavior of Adrenomedullin (AM) during cardiac surgery.
- To determine the source of increased AM during cardiac procedures.
Main Methods:
- Serial blood sampling from patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
- Quantification of plasma AM concentrations using radioimmunoassay.
- Measurement of AM levels in pulmonary vein, coronary sinus, and aorta.
Main Results:
- Plasma AM concentrations did not rise with anesthesia or initial surgery but increased during cardiopulmonary bypass and pulmonary reperfusion.
- Peak AM levels correlated with the duration of cardiac surgery.
- No significant difference in AM levels was found between pulmonary vein, coronary sinus, and aorta, suggesting neither the lungs nor heart were the primary source.
Conclusions:
- Plasma AM concentrations significantly increase during cardiac surgery, with duration being a key factor.
- The findings suggest that AM may act as a vasodilatory hormone in the context of cardiac surgery.
- Post-operative AM levels gradually normalize within seven days.