The role of adrenomedullin and its receptor system in cardiovascular calcification of rat induced by Vitamin D(3) plus nicotine

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a potent vasodilatory peptide which regulates blood pressure, cell growth and bone formation. Our work was aimed to explore the production of ADM, changes and pathophysiological significance of ADM mRNA and ADM receptor components--calcitonin receptor like receptor (CRLR) and receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) mRNA in calcified myocardium and aorta of rats induced by Vitamin D3 plus nicotine. Contents of ADM in plasma, myocardium and aorta were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The amount of ADM, CRLR and RAMPs mRNA was determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The calcium content and alkaline phosphatase activity in myocardium and aorta of rats were measured. The results showed that the contents of calcium in calcified myocardium and aorta were increased by 3.5- and 6-fold (all P < 0.01), respectively, and alkaline phosphatases activity in calcified myocardium and aorta were increased by 66.5 and 82.7% (all P < 0.01 ), respectively, compared with control. Contents of ADM in plasma, myocardium and aorta were increased by 58% (P < 0.01), 14.3% (P < 0.01) and 27.8% P < 0.05). Furthermore, it was found that the amount of ADM, CRLR and RAMP2 mRNA in calcified myocardium was elevated by 90.6, 157.5 and 119.6% (all P < 0.01), RAMP3 mRNA was decreased by 14.1% (P < 0.01), respectively, compared with control. The amount of ADM, CRLR, RAMP2 and RAMP3 mRNA in calcified aorta was elevated by 37.7% (P < 0.01), 41.4% (P < 0.01), 60.1% (P < 0.05) and 13% P < 0.01), respectively, compared with control. The elevated level of CRLR and RAMP2 mRNA were in positive correlation with that of ADM mRNA (r = 0.992 and 0.882, respectively, P < 0.01) in calcified myocardium. The elevated level of CRLR and RAMP3 mRNA were also in positive correlation with that of ADM mRNA (r = 0.727, P < 0.05 and 0.816, P < 0.01, respectively) in calcified aorta. These results demonstrated that calcified myocardium and aorta generated an increased amount of ADM, up-regulated gene expressions of ADM, CRLR and RAMP2 mRNA. While the alteration of RAMP3 mRNA in calcified myocardium and aorta was different. These suggested that ADM and its receptor system might involve in the regulation of calcification in heart and aorta.     

左旋硝基精氨酸诱导的高血压大鼠心肌和血管的肾上腺髓质素与受体活性修饰蛋白2表达的变化

探讨高血压大鼠心肌和血管的肾上腺髓质素（adrenomedullin,ADM）与受体活性修饰蛋白2（receptoractivity-modifying protein 2,RAMP2）mRNA的变化。用一氧化氮合酶（NOS）竞争性抑制剂左旋硝基精氨酸（L-NNA）阻断NOS制备大鼠高血压模型。用放射免疫分析方法测定血浆、心肌和血管ADM含量,及竞争性定量RT-PCR方法测定心肌和血管ADM mRNA与RAMP2 mRNA含量。结果表明,NOS阻断剂L-NNA应用4周后动物血压明显升高、心肌肥厚。心重（mg）/体重（g）比值增加35.5％（P<0.01）。血浆、心肌和血管的ADM-ir较对照组分别增加80％、72％和57％（均P<0.01）。高血压大鼠心肌和血管ADM mRNA含量显著增加,分别较正常大鼠高50％（P<0.05）和102.9％（P<0.05）。高血压大鼠心肌和血管的RAMP2　mRNA含量均显著增加,分别较正常大鼠高132％（P<0.01）和87％（P<0.01）。高血压大鼠心肌和血管ADM的升高与RAMP2的升高程度呈明显的正相关,其相关系数分别为0.741和0.885。上述观察结果表明,高血压时血浆、心肌和血管ADM水平升高,心肌和血管ADM与RAMP2基因表达上调,提示ADM/RAMP2系统在高血压发病中可能具有重要作用。     

Changes in amount of ADM mRNA and RAMP2 mRNA in calcified vascular smooth muscle cells

This work was aimed to explore the changes and significance of adrenomedullin (ADM) mRNA and receptor activity modifying protein 2 (RAMP2) mRNA in calcified vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Calcification of cultured rat VSMCs was produced by incubation with beta-glycerophosphate. Content of ADM released by VSMCs was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The amount of ADM mRNA and RAMP2 mRNA was determined by competitive quantitative RT-PCR. The intracellular calcium content, alkaline phosphatases activity and cellular (45)Ca(2+)-uptake were determined. The results showed that the content of calcium, (45)Ca(2+)-uptake and alkaline phosphatases activity in calcified VSMCs were increased by 118%, 174% and seven-fold (all P<0.01), respectively, compared with control VSMCs. Content of ADM in medium was increased by 99% (P<0.01). Furthermore, it was found that the amount of ADM mRNA and RAMP2 mRNA in calcified cells was elevated by 78 and 56% (all P<0.05), respectively, compared with control. The elevated levels of RAMP2 mRNA were in positive correlation with ADM mRNA (r=0.76, P<0.05) in calcified VSMCs. In conclusion, calcified VSMCs generated an increased amount of ADM, and up-regulated gene expressions of ADM and RAMP2.     

Intermedin/adrenomedullin 2及其受体在慢性低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠右心室的表达变化

本研究探讨了新发现的小分子生物活性肽intermedin／adrenomedullin 2（IMD／ADM2）及其受体在慢性低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠右心室中的变化和可能作用。用放射免疫分析法测定正常对照组和常压低氧4周组Sprague-Dawley大鼠血浆、右心室匀浆IMD／ADM2和肾上腺髓质素（adrenomednllin,ADM）蛋白水平;逆转录-多聚酶链反应法测定右心室IMD／ADM2、ADM及受体：降钙素受体样受体（calcitonin receptor-like receptor,CRLR）、受体活性修饰蛋白1,2,3（receptor activity modifying protein 1,2,3,RAMP1,RAMP2,RAMP3）mRNA表达。结果显示：低氧组平均肺动脉压、右心室与左心室加室间隔重量比[RV／（LV＋S）]显著高于对照组（均P〈0．01）;低氧组血浆和右心室组织匀浆ADM水平比对照组分别高1．26倍和1．68倍（P〈0．01）,IMD／ADM2水平则较对照组分别高0．90倍和1．19倍（P〈0．01）;与对照组相比,低氧组右心室IMD／ADM2、ADM mRNA表达均上调（P〈0．01）,RAMP2 mRNA表达增强（P〈0．05）,而两组间CRLR、RAMP1、RAMP3 mRNA的表达水平无显著性差异。结果表明,慢性低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠IMD／ADM2表达水平升高。     

自发性高血压大鼠和Wistar-Kyoto大鼠心血管组织肾上腺髓质素和肾上腺髓质素原N-末端20肽的水平

本工作观察了自发性高血压大鼠 (SHRs)和Wistar kyoto (WKY)大鼠心肌和主动脉肾上腺髓质素 (a drenomedullin ,ADM)和肾上腺髓质素原N 末端 2 0肽 (proadrenomedullinNterminal 2 0peptide ,PAMP)的水平。以放射免疫分析方法测定血浆、心肌和主动脉ADM含量。用竞争性定量逆转录多聚酶链式反应 (RT PCR)方法测定心肌和主动脉ProADMmRNA含量。结果发现 ,SHRs心肌和主动脉ProADMmRNA水平分别比WKY大鼠高 66 7%和 73 % (均P <0 0 1)。SHRs血浆、心肌和主动脉ADM ir含量分别较WKY大鼠高 2 9%、76 7%和 79% (均P <0 0 1)。SHRs血浆、心肌和主动脉PAMP ir水平分别较WKY大鼠高 42 5 % (P <0 0 1)、47 2 % (P <0 0 1)和 2 7 3 % (P <0 0 5 )。另外 ,SHRs的ADM和PAMP的比值较WKY大鼠明显增高 (心肌和主动脉分别为 2 0± 0 2 5vs 1 64± 0 3和 2 2± 0 18vs 1 5 6± 0 2 8)。结果提示 ,SHRs心肌和主动脉ProADM基因表达上调 ,ADM和PAMP水平升高 ,但二者升高的比例不一致。SHRs的ADM和PAMP升高不一致的病理生理意义有待进一步研究     

Hypertension induced by nitric oxide synthase inhibitor increases responsiveness of ventricular myocardium and aorta of rat tissue to adrenomedullin stimulation in vitro

In this work, we aimed to observe the changes in adrenomedullin (ADM) and its receptor-calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CL), receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP) 1, RAMP2 and RAMP3-in cardiac ventricles and aortas of hypertensive rats, and the responsiveness of injured cardiovascular tissue to ADM, then to illustrate the protective mechanism of ADM on the cardiovascular system. Male SD rats were subjected to treatment with chronic N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. The ADM contents and cAMP production in myocardia and aortas were measured by RIA. The mRNA levels of ADM, CL, and RAMP1-3 were determined by RT-PCR. L-NNA induced severe hypertension and cardiomegaly. The ir-ADM content in plasma, ventricles and aortas in L-NNA-treated animals increased by 80%, 72% and 57% (all p<0.01), respectively. Furthermore, mRNA levels of ADM, CL, RAMP2 and RAMP3 were elevated by 91%, 33%, 50% and 72.5% (all p<0.01), respectively, in ventricles and by 95%, 177%, 74.7% and 85% (all p<0.01), respectively, in aortas. mRNA level of RAMP1 was elevated by 129% (p<0.01) in aortas but no significant difference in ventricles. The elevated mRNA levels of RAMP2 and RAMP3 were positively correlated with that of ADM in hypertrophic ventricles (r=0.633 and 0.828, p<0.01, respectively) and the elevated mRNA levels of CL, RAMP2 and RAMP3 were positively correlated with that of ADM in aortas (r=0.941, 0.943 and 0.736, all p<0.01, respectively). The response of ventricular myocardia and aortas to ADM administration potentiated, and the production of cAMP was increased by 41% and 68% (both p<0.01), respectively. ADM-stimulated cAMP generation in ventricular myocardia and aortas was blocked by administration of both ADM22-52, the specific antagonist of ADM receptor, and CGRP8-37, the antagonist of the CGRP1 receptor. The results showed an increased in cardiovascular ADM generation and an up-regulation of the gene expression of ADM and its receptor-CL, RAMP1-3 during hypertension, augmented responsiveness of ventricular myocardia and aortas of hypertensive rats to ADM, suggesting that these receptors may play a role in the cardiovascular adaptation in response to sub-chronic NO-inhibition.     

Increased myocardial expression of RAMP1 and RAMP3 in rats with chronic heart failure

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and adrenomedullin (ADM) are potent vasodilators in humans and improved myocardial ischemia is observed after CGRP administration. Receptors for CGRP and ADM were already identified in heart. Receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) determine the ligand specificity of the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR); co-expression of RAMP1 and CRLR results in a CGRP receptor, whereas the association of RAMP2 or RAMP3 with CRLR gives an ADM receptor. As CGRP and ADM may play a beneficial role in heart failure, we investigated whether the CGRP and ADM receptors are upregulated in chronic heart failure. We have used semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western-blot analysis to detect and quantify the mRNA and the protein of RAMP1 and RAMP3 in both atria and ventricles of failing hearts 6 months after aortic banding in rats. Our results showed for the first time an up-regulation of RAMP1 and RAMP3 mRNAs and proteins in this model of cardiac failure. No change was observed in mRNAs coding for CRLR, RAMP2, RDC1 (canine orphan receptor), and ADM. The present results suggested after congestive heart failure in adult rats, an up-regulation of the CGRP receptor (by an increase in RAMP1 that is associated with CRLR) in atria and ventricles and of ADM receptor (by increased RAMP3 expression that is associated with CRLR) in atria. These findings support a functional role for CGRP and ADM receptors to compensate the chronic heart failure in rats.     

Alterations of adrenomedullin and its receptor system components in calcified vascular smooth muscle cells

Vascular calcification is a common finding in many cardiovascular diseases. Paracrine/autocrine changes in calcified vessels, and the secreted factors participate in and play an important role in the progress of calcification. Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a potent vasodilator peptide secreted by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and vascular endothelial cells. Recently, receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) have been shown to transport calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) to the cell surface to present either as CGRP receptor or ADM receptor. In this work, we explored the production of ADM, alterations and significance of ADM mRNA and its receptor system components—CRLR and RAMPs mRNA in calcified VSMCs. Our results showed that calcium content, ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ uptake and alkaline phosphatases (ALPs) activity in calcified VSMCs were increased, respectively, compared with control VSMCs. Content of ADM in medium was increased by 99% (p<0.01). Furthermore, it was found that the levels of ADM, CRLR, RAMP2 and RAMP3 mRNA in calcified cells were elevated, respectively, compared with that of control. The elevated levels of CRLR, RAMP2 and RAMP3 mRNA were significant correlation with ADM mRNA (r=0.83, 0.92 and 0.93, respectively, all p's<0.01) in calcified VSMCs. The results show that calcified VSMCs generate an increased amount of ADM, up-regulate gene expressions of ADM and its receptor system components—CRLR, RAMP2 and RAMP3, suggesting an important role of ADM and its receptor system in the regulation of vascular calcification.     

Differential expression of adrenomedullin and its receptor component, receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP) 2 during hypoxia in cultured human neuroblastoma cells.

Adrenomedullin is a potent vasodilator peptide originally isolated from a pheochromocytoma. Recently, a novel adrenomedullin receptor has been identified as a complex consisting of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP) 2. To explore possible pathophysiological roles of adrenomedullin and its receptor component RAMP2 in hypoxic tissues, we studied effects of hypoxia on expression of adrenomedullin and RAMP2 in two human neuroblastoma cell lines, IMR-32 and NB69, by radioimmunoassay and Northern blot analysis. Expression levels of adrenomedullin were increased by hypoxia in both cell lines. Treatment with cobalt chloride or desferrioxamine mesylate also increased expression levels of adrenomedullin mRNA. On the other hand, expression levels of RAMP2 mRNA were decreased in IMR-32 cells and were not changed in NB69 cells by hypoxia. Treatment with cobalt chloride or desferrioxamine mesylate decreased expression levels of RAMP2 mRNA in both IMR-32 and NB69 cells. These findings indicate that adrenomedullin expression is induced during hypoxia in IMR-32 and NB69 neuroblastoma cells, but RAMP2 expression is rather suppressed under the same conditions. The decreased expression of RAMP2 and the ADM expression induction under hypoxia may constitute one mechanism of cellular adaptation to hypoxic stress.     

应激性高血压大鼠脑干及下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴中肾上腺髓质素及其受体mRNA表达的改变

采用逆转录-聚合酶链式反应检测了慢性足底电击结合噪声应激致高血压大鼠下丘脑、延髓、中脑、垂体和肾上腺等组织中编码肾上腺髓质素的肾上腺髓质素前肽原(preproadrenomedullin,ppADM)基因以及ADM的特异性受体组件降钙素受体样受体(calcitonin-receptor-like receptor,CRLR)和受体活性调节蛋白2和3(receptor-activty-modifying proteins,RAMP2和RAMP3)表达的变化.我们观察到:与对照组相比,以3-磷酸甘油醛脱氢酶作为内参照,15 d足底电击结合噪声应激引起下丘脑、垂体和肾上腺中ppADM mRNA表达上调,而在延髓和中脑表达明显下调(P＜0.01或P＜0.05);CRLR基因表达量正常时在下丘脑相对较高,应激15 d后CRLR表达在延髓、中脑和下丘脑下调(P＜0.01或P＜0.05),而在垂体和肾上腺的表达无明显变化;应激后RAMP2基因在延髓和下丘脑表达上调,而在肾上腺表达显著下调(P＜0.01),其他部位无明显变化;RAMP3基因在对照组大鼠的中脑和下丘脑表达较高,在应激性高血压大鼠的下丘脑和垂体表达上调(P＜0.01或P＜0.05),而在中脑和肾上腺表达下调(P＜0.05),在延髓中的表达变化无统计学差异.上述结果提示:慢性足底电击结合噪声应激引起明显的中枢和下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴ADM及其受体组件CRLR/RAMP2或CRLR/RAMP3基因的表达变化.但慢性应激后中枢源性ADM及其受体的表达变化对应激和血压的调节以及在应激致高血压中的确切作用及机制尚待进一步研究.     

应激性高血压犬鼠脑干及下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴中肾上腺髓质素及其受体mRNA表达的改变

采用逆转录- 聚合酶链式反应检测了慢性足底电击结合噪声应激致高血压大鼠下丘脑、延髓、中脑、垂体和肾上腺等组织中编码肾上腺髓质素的肾上腺髓质素前肽原(preproadrenomedullin, ppADM) 基因以及ADM 的特异性受体组件降钙素受体样受体(calcitonin-receptor-like receptor,CRLR)和受体活性调节蛋白2 和3(receptor-activity-modifying proteins, RAMP2 和RAMP3)表达的变化。我们观察到:与对照组相比,以 3- 磷酸甘油醛脱氢酶作为内参照,15 d 足底电击结合噪声应激引起下丘脑、垂体和肾上腺中ppADM mRNA表达上调,而在延髓和中脑表达明显下调(P<0.01 或 P<0.05); CRLR基因表达量正常时在下丘脑相对较高,应激15 d 后CRLR 表达在延髓、中脑和下丘脑下调(P<0.01 或 P<0.05), 而在垂体和肾上腺的表达无明显变化;应激后RAMP2 基因在延髓和下丘脑表达上调,而在肾上腺表达显著下调(P <0.01), 其他部位无明显变化;RAMP3 基因在对照组大鼠的中脑和下丘脑表达较高,在应激性高血压大鼠的下丘脑和垂体表达上调(P<0.01 或P<0.05), 而在中脑和肾上腺表达下调(P<0.05), 在延髓中的表达变化无统计学差异。上述结果提示:慢性足底电击结合噪声应激引起明显的中枢和下丘脑- 垂体-肾上腺轴ADM 及其受体组件CRLR/RAMP2 或CRLR/R     

Induction of adrenomedullin by hypoxia in cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells.

To explore the role of adrenomedullin (ADM) in pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease, we investigated the effects of hypoxia on the production and secretion of ADM in cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells. Treatment with hypoxia (5% CO2/94% N2/1% O2) for 6 and 12 h increased expression levels of ADM mRNA 2.2-fold and fivefold compared with the normoxia control, respectively. The levels of immunoreactive ADM in the media were increased by 12-h hypoxia about fivefold compared with the control (39.0+/-1.1 fmol/10(5) cells per 12 h under hypoxia and 7.9+/-0.4 fmol/10(5) cells per 12 h under normoxia; P<0.01, n = 4, mean +/- SEM). Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography of the extracts of culture media under normoxia and hypoxia showed one major peak eluting in the position of human ADM standard. The production and secretion of ADM were increased in cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells under hypoxia. ADM may therefore play an important pathophysiological role in ischemic heart disease.     

肾上腺髓质素和降钙素基因相关肽受体在血管平滑肌细胞的脱敏—受体活性修饰蛋白的作用

新近研究发现,肾上腺髓质素（adrenomedullin,ADM)和降钙素基因相关肽（calcitonin gene-related peptide,CGRP)均能与降钙素受体样受体（calcitoni receptor-like receptor,CRLR)结合,其配体特异性由受体活性修饰蛋白（receptor activity-modifying protein RAMP)调控,本工作在离体培养的大鼠胸主动脉血管平滑肌细胞（vsacular smooth muscle cells,VSMCs)上观察ADM和CGRP受体脱敏现象,以探讨CRLR／RAMP假说在心血管组织方面的意义,用无血清培养基（serum-free medium,SFM)和含有10^-8mol/L ADM,CGRP和肾上腺髓素质前体原N－末端20肽（proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide PAMP）的SFM培养,再用10^-8mol/L ADM或 CGRP和磷酸二酯酶的抑制剂异丙基次黄苷（isobutyryl methyxanthine,IBMX)与VSMCs进行第二次孵育,然后收集细胞,测定VSMCs cAMP含量。10^-8mol/LADM,CGRP和PAMP单独与VSMCs孵育,VSMCs cAMP含量分别较SFM组高191％（P＜0．01）,385％（P＜0．01）和67％（P＜0．05）,预先用10^-8mol/L ADM ak CGRP与VSMCs孵育可降低随后的CGRP刺激VSMCs产生cAMP,分别较单次CGRP育少44％（P＜0．05）和48％（P＜0．01）,预先用100nmol/L蛋白激酶A（PKA）抑制剂H－89处理VSMCs,可完全阻断ADM和CGRP预处理诱导的第二次CGRP刺激的VSMCs cAMP含量减少,表明VSMCs对CGRP的脱敏过程是通过PKA途径实现的,预先用ADM,CGRP处理VSMCs后,用ADM第二次孵育,细胞内cAMP含量与单次ADM孵育无明显改变,PKA抑制H－89与VSMCs孵育,无论对欠ADM刺激或对ADM和CGRP处理的第二次刺激的cAMP生成均无影响,用PAMP处理VSMCs后,ADM和CGRP的第二次刺激的VSMCs cAMP水平无明显改变（P＞0．05）。结果提示,在离体培养的大鼠VSMCs,ADM epc wsg i euk txgtdmj CGRP受体对预先用ADM和CGRP处理后的激动剂的第二次刺激都脱敏,表明ADM和CGRP的脱敏现象不一致。     

Adrenomedullin in the rat testis. I: Its production, actions on testosterone secretion, regulation by human chorionic gonadotropin, and its interaction with endothelin 1 in the leydig cell

Based on the finding of gene expression of adrenomedullin (Adm) and its receptor components in the rat testis, a paracrine effect of ADM on testicular steroidogenesis has been suggested by our group. The present study demonstrates the gene expression of Adm and the effect of ADM on testosterone production in the Leydig cell. The regulation of ADM by hCG and its interaction with endothelin 1 (EDN1) in the rat Leydig cells are also observed. Primary culture of Leydig cells produced Adm mRNA and secreted 275+/-19 pg immunoreactive ADM per 10(6) cells in 24 h. In addition, the Leydig cell was shown to coexpress mRNAs encoding for the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CALCRL) and receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP1, RAMP2, and RAMP3). These may account for the specific binding of ADM to the Leydig cells. Administration of ADM to Leydig cells resulted in an inhibition of hCG- and EDN1-stimulated testosterone production. Correlated with this, ADM reduced EDN1 production, whereas its production was increased by EDN1. Furthermore, the production of ADM and the mRNA levels of Calcrl and Ramp2 were suppressed by hCG. Our results suggest that ADM has an autocrine effect on Leydig cell steroidogenesis, possibly by interacting with EDN1 and under the control of gonadotropin. We propose that there is an ADM/EDN1 local regulatory mechanism that may be important in modulating the control of testicular functions by gonadotropins.     

The myocardial response to adrenomedullin involves increased cAMP generation as well as augmented Akt phosphorylation

In this work we aimed to observe (1) the changes in adrenomedullin (AM) and its receptor system - calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) - in myocardial ischemic injury and (2) the response of injuried myocardia to AM and the phosphorylation of Akt to illustrate the protective mechanism of AM in ischemic myocardia. Male SD rats were subcutaneously injected with isoproterenol (ISO) to induce myocardial ischemia. The mRNA levels of AM, CRLR, RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3 were determined by RT-PCR. Protein levels of Akt, phosphor-Akt, CRLR, RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3 were assayed by Western blot. Results showed that, compared with that of the controls, ISO-treated rats showed lower cardiac function and myocardial injury. The mRNA relative amount of AM, CRLR, RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3 in the myocardia of ISO-treated rats was increased. The elevated mRNA levels of CRLR, RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3 were positively correlated with AM content in injured myocardia. The protein levels of CRLR, RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3 in injured myocardia were increased compared with that of control myocardia. AM-stimulated cAMP generation in myocardia was elevated in the ISO group, and was antagonized by AM(22-52) and CGRP(8-37). Western blot analyses revealed that AM significantly enhanced Akt phosphorylation in injured myocardia, which was blocked by pretreatment with AM(22-52) or CGRP(8-37). Ischemia-injured myocardia hyper-expressed AM and its receptors - CRLR, RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3 - and the response of ischemic myocardia to AM was potentiated, and the level of Akt phosphorylation was also increased, which suggests that changes in cardiac AM/AM receptor might play an important role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemic injury.     

Upregulation of intracardiac adrenomedullin and its receptor system in rats with volume overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy

Specific adrenomedullin receptors have been identified as calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR)/receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMP2 and RAMP3) complexes. Although we have demonstrated that adrenomedullin is increased in volume overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy, it remains unknown whether the adrenomedullin receptor is altered or not. This study sought to investigate the significance of intracardiac adrenomedullin and its receptor system in volume overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Left ventricular adrenomedullin levels were higher in aortocaval shunt (ACS) rats than in controls (+58%). The left ventricular gene expressions of adrenomedullin, CRLR, RAMP2 and RAMP3 were increased (+27%, +76%, +108% and +131%, respectively) and the left ventricular collagen gene expressions were also increased (type I: +138%, type III: +87%). The left ventricular adrenomedullin level correlated with the gene expression of type III collagen (R=0.42). These results suggest that intracardiac adrenomedullin and its receptor system are upregulated and may participate in the regulation of cardiac remodeling in volume overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy.     

Fluorescently labeled adrenomedullin allows real‐time monitoring of adrenomedullin receptor trafficking in living cells

The human adrenomedullin (ADM) is a 52 amino acid peptide hormone belonging to the calcitonin family of peptides, which plays a major role in the development and regulation of cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. For potential use in clinical applications, we aimed to investigate the fate of the peptide ligand after binding and activation of the adrenomedullin receptor (AM₁), a heterodimer consisting of the calcitonin receptor‐like receptor (CLR), a G protein‐coupled receptor, associated with the receptor activity‐modifying protein 2 (RAMP2). Full length and N‐terminally shortened ADM peptides were synthesized using Fmoc/tBu solid phase peptide synthesis and site‐specifically labeled with the fluorophore carboxytetramethylrhodamine (Tam) either by amide bond formation or copper(I)‐catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition. For the first time, Tam‐labeled ligands allowed the observation of co‐internalization of the whole ligand‐receptor complex in living cells co‐transfected with fluorescent fusion proteins of CLR and RAMP2. Application of a fluorescent probe to track lysosomal compartments revealed that ADM together with the CLR/RAMP2‐complex is routed to the degradative pathway. Moreover, we found that the N‐terminus of ADM is not a crucial component of the peptide sequence in terms of AM₁ internalization behavior. Copyright © 2015 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

mRNA expression of novel CGRP1 receptors and their activity-modifying proteins in hypoxic rat lung

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a potent vasodilator. Our group has reported that exogenous CGRP may prevent or reverse hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats. The vasodilatory action of CGRP is mediated primarily by CGRP1 receptors. The calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and the orphan receptor RDC-1 have been proposed as CGRP1 receptors, and recent evidence suggests that CRLR can function as either a CGRP1 receptor or an adrenomedullin (ADM) receptor. Receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) determine the ligand specificity of CRLR: coexpression of CRLR and RAMP1 results in a CGRP1 receptor, whereas coexpression of CRLR and RAMP2 or -3 results in an ADM receptor. We used qualitative, semiquantitative, and real-time quantitative RT-PCR to detect and quantitate the relative expression of these agents in the lungs of rats exposed to normoxia (n = 3) and 1 and 2 wk of chronic hypobaric hypoxia (barometric pressure 380 mmHg, equivalent to an inspired O(2) level of 10%; n = 3/time period). Our results show upregulation of RDC-1, RAMP1, and RAMP3 mRNAs in hypoxic rat lung and no change in CRLR and RAMP2 mRNAs. These findings support a functional role for CGRP and ADM receptors in regulating the adult pulmonary circulation.     

A critical role for adrenomedullin-calcitonin receptor-like receptor in regulating rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocyte apoptosis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) hyperplasia, which is partly ascribable to decreased apoptosis. In this study, we show that adrenomedullin (ADM), an antiapoptotic peptide, is constitutively secreted in larger amounts by FLS from joints with RA (RA-FLS) than with osteoarthritis (OA-FLS). ADM secretion was regulated by TNF-alpha. Peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase, the ADM-processing enzyme, was expressed at the mRNA level by both RA-FLS and OA-FLS. Constituents of the ADM heterodimeric receptor calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR)/receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP)-2 were up-regulated at the mRNA and protein levels in cultured RA-FLS compared with OA-FLS. ADM induced rapid intracellular cAMP production in FLS and reduced caspase-3 activity, DNA fragmentation, and chromatin condensation in RA-FLS exposed to apoptotic conditions, indicating that CRLR/RAMP-2 was fully functional. ADM-induced cAMP production was less marked in OA-FLS than in RA-FLS, suggesting differences in receptor regulation and expression. ADM dose-dependently inhibited RA-FLS apoptosis, and this effect was reversed by the 22-52 ADM antagonist peptide. ADM inhibited RA-FLS apoptosis triggered by extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Our data suggest that ADM may prevent or reduce RA-FLS apoptosis, via up-regulation of its functional receptor CRLR/RAMP-2. Regulation of ADM secretion and/or CRLR/RAMP-2 activation may constitute new treatment strategies for RA.