Adrenomedullin ameliorates ischemia reperfusion injury in rat livers.

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a novel potent vasodilatory peptide that was isolated from human pheochromocytoma cells in 1993. It consists of 52 amino acids with 1 intramolecular disulfide bond and a C-terminal amide structure. The vasodilatory effect of ADM is mediated by the activation of secondary messengers, including cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) that are induced by nitric oxide (NO).

A novel inhibitor of Rho-associated protein kinase, Y-27632, ameliorates hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats.

Background: A Rho-ROCK signal system induces vascular contraction and neutrophil migration, both of which are characteristic features found with ischemia and reperfusion injury of the liver. We tested our hypothesis that a novel ROCK I inhibitor, Y-27632, attenuates hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury.

Methods: Rats underwent 70% partial hepatic ischemia for 120 minutes and subsequent reperfusion.