Adrenomedullin induces pulmonary vasodilation but does not attenuate pulmonary hypertension in a sheep model of acute pulmonary embolism.

Aims: The pulmonary vasodilation induced by adrenomedullin may be beneficial in the acute pulmonary embolism (APE) setting. This study examined effects of adrenomedullin in sheep with microsphere-induced APE.

Main Methods: Twenty four anesthetized, mechanically ventilated sheep were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n=8 per group): animals not subjected to any intervention (Sham), animals with APE induced by microspheres (500 mg, intravenously) treated 30 min later by intravenous physiological saline (Emb group) or intravenous adrenomedullin (50 ng/kg/min) during 30 min (Emb+Adm group).