Effects of vasoactive substances and cAMP related compounds on adrenomedullin production in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells.

To elucidate the regulation mechanism of adrenomedullin (AM) production in blood vessels, we examined the effects of 30 substances on AM production in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Forskolin and 8-bromo-cAMP suppressed production and gene transcription of AM. Since VSMC expresses AM receptors coupled with adenylate cyclase, AM production may be regulated by intracellular cAMP concentration. Thrombin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and interferon-gamma also inhibited AM production, while angiotensin II, endothelin-1, bradykinin, substance P, adrenaline, phorbol ester and fetal calf serum stimulated AM production in VSMC. These results suggest that AM production is regulated by a variety of substances, indicating complex systems regulating AM production.