Novel neurohumoral factors in congestive heart failure: adrenomedullin.

Adrenomedullin is a 52-amino acid peptide that circulates in human plasma. The plasma concentrations of the peptide are increased in cardiovascular disease in proportion to the degree of hemodynamic impairment. Plasma adrenomedullin levels in heart failure, and in subjects with acute myocardial infarction, have been shown to convey independent prognostic information. Adrenomedullin has multiple biologic effects, but characteristically causes vasodilatation. The actions of adrenomedullin and the activation of this peptide in cardiovascular disease suggest it may have an important pathophysiologic role in heart failure. Manipulation of adrenomedullin or its receptor may have therapeutic potential.