Role of adrenomedullin in the pathogenesis and treatment of cardiovascular dysfunctions and sepsis

Westphal M, Sander J, Van Aken H, Ertmer C, Stubbe HD, Booke M

Research article (journal)

Abstract

Adrenomedullin (AM) is an endogenous vasodilatory peptide hormone, which plays a key role in the regulation and preservation of cardiovascular and pulmonary functions. Clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated that AM represents an alternative therapeutic option in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. In addition, AM proved to be useful in the treatment of cardiovascular dysfunctions, such as arterial hypertension and congestive heart failure following myocardial infarction. Recent research has also shown that AM plays a pivotal role in the development of sepsis-associated hemodynamic and microcirculatory disorders. Experimental studies also suggest that infusion of exogenous AM might be a rational approach to prevent and treat hypodynamic septic shock. The objectives of this review article are to characterize the regulative properties of AM and to discuss clinical and experimental studies which allow to judge the role of AM in the setting of cardiovascular dysfunction and sepsis.

Details about the publication

JournalDer Anaesthesist
Volume55
Issue2
Page range171-178
StatusPublished
Release year2006
Language in which the publication is writtenGerman
KeywordsHumans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Molecular Sequence Data; Sepsis; Amino Acid Sequence; Peptides; Adrenomedullin; Hemodynamic Processes; Signal Transduction; Homeostasis; Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Molecular Sequence Data; Sepsis; Amino Acid Sequence; Peptides; Adrenomedullin; Hemodynamic Processes; Signal Transduction; Homeostasis

Authors from the University of Münster

Ertmer, Christian
Clinic for Anaesthesiology, Surgical Critical Care Medicine and Pain Therapy
Stubbe, Henning
Clinic for Anaesthesiology, Surgical Critical Care Medicine and Pain Therapy
Van Aken, Hugo K.
Clinic for Anaesthesiology, Surgical Critical Care Medicine and Pain Therapy
Westphal, Martin
Clinic for Anaesthesiology, Surgical Critical Care Medicine and Pain Therapy