Adrenomedullin in the treatment of cardiovascular dysfunction and sepsis

Abstract

The existence of vasoactive peptide hormones was first reported more than 100 years ago [1]. Since then, several oligo- and polypeptides influencing blood pressure regulation have been identified. Some of these are direct vasoconstrictors, such as vasopressin, angiotensin II, endothelin-1, and neuropeptide Y and are classified as hypertensive agents. Other peptides, e.g., the natriuretic peptides, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP), have direct vasodilatory properties and, thus, lower systemic blood pressure. Adrenomedullin belongs to the vasodilatory peptide hormones and plays a crucial role in the regulation and preservation of cardiovascular, endocrine and immunologic homeostasis [2]. © 2007 Springer Science + Business Media Inc.