Adrenomedullin induces lymphangiogenesis and ameliorates secondary lymphedema.

[lymphedemapeople]

Adrenomedullin induces lymphangiogenesis and ameliorates secondary
lymphedema.

Cardiovasc Res. 2008 Aug 16.

Jin D, Harada K, Ohnishi S, Yamahara K, Kangawa K, Nagaya N.
Department of Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering, and
National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan.

AIMS: Adrenomedullin (AM) is a multifunctional peptide hormone that
plays a significant role in vasodilation and angiogenesis. Lymphedema
is a common but refractory disorder that is difficult to treat with
conventional therapy. We therefore investigated whether AM promotes
lymphangiogenesis and improves lymphedema. Methods and Results The
effects of AM on lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) were investigated.
AM promoted proliferation, migration and network formation of cultured
human lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC). AM increased
intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level in HLMVEC.
The cell proliferation induced by AM was inhibited by a cAMP
antagonist and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)
inhibitors. Phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)
in HLMVEC was increased by AM. Continuous administration of AM (0.05
microg/kg/min) to BALB/c mice with tail lymphedema resulted in a
decrease in lymphedema thickness. AM treatment increased the number of
lymphatic vessels and blood vessels in the injury site.

CONCLUSIONS: AM promoted LEC proliferation at least in part through
the cAMP/MEK/ERK pathway, and infusion of AM induced lymphangiogenesis
and improved lymphedema in mice.

Oxford Journals

http://cardiovascres.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/cvn228v1

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Pat O'Connor
Advocates for Lymphedema
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AdvocatesforLymphedema/

My Life with Lymphedema
http://mylifewithlymphedema.blogspot.com/