ADRENOMEDULLIN-NITRIC OXIDE INTERACTIONS IN NORMAL AND CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE RATS.

Abstract

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a newly discovered 52-amino acid peptide, which has potent cardiorenal actions. It is widely distributed in multiple human and animal tissues and plasma. Recently it has been demonstrated that ADM is present in glomeruli, cortical distal tubules and medullary collecting duct cells of the kidney. When infused intrarenally, it increases urinary sodium excretion and renal blood flow. ADM plasma concentrations was found to be elevated in various cardiovascular and renal diseases, including hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and, renal failure. These findings indicate the possibility that ADM is a new member of circulating peptide hormones that may participate in the regulation of arterial blood pressure and regional vascular tone.