Adrenomedullin selectively inhibits angiotensin II-induced aldosterone secretion in humans.

OBJECTIVE

Adrenomedullin inhibits angiotensin II stimulated aldosterone production in vitro and in vivo in experimental animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adrenomedullin on angiotensin II and adrenocorticotrophic hormone-stimulated aldosterone production in vivo in healthy humans.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

Seven volunteers were studied in a quiet, temperature-controlled laboratory. After 35 min of rest, an infusion of placebo or adrenomedullin (3 pmol/kg per min) was given over 60 min; 15 min after starting this first infusion, a second infusion of angiotensin II (0.96 fmol/kg per min) or adrenocorticotrophic hormone (0.1 mIU/kg per min) was co-infused and continued for 45 min.

RESULTS

Adrenomedullin significantly inhibited angiotensin II stimulated aldosterone production: the increment in aldosterone on the placebo day was 691 pmol/l compared with 552 pmol/l on the adrenomedullin day (P< 0.004). Adrenomedullin did not inhibit adrenocorticotrophic hormone-stimulated aldosterone or cortisol release.

CONCLUSION

Adrenomedullin selectively inhibits angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone production.