Adrenomedullin: A novel peptide hormone: A review

Abstract

Adrenomedullin is a peptide hormone extracted from pheochromocytoma in humans has 52 amino acid held together by a single disulphide bond. The name adrenomedullin was given as it is abundantly found in adrenal medulla, comes under calcitonin gene-related peptide family. Production of adrenomedullin is up-regulated by several factors such as oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, angiotensin II, hypoxia, hyperglycemia, natriuretic peptide and aldosterone. It is synthesized as part of a larger precursor molecule, termed preproadrenomedullin. Adrenomedullin receptor consists of seven transmembrane domains and belongs to G-protein dependent receptor family. This peptide has not only a potent hypotensive and vasorelaxing effect but it performs various biological functions. It has potent effects on cell migration, growth, and apoptosis. So with this overview adrenomedullin is a novel peptide hormone that plays significant physiological functions in different systems of the body.