Immunocytochemical localization of adrenomedullin 2/intermedin-like immunoreactivity in human hypothalamus, heart and kidney

Peptides. 2006 Jun;27(6):1383-9. doi: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.11.004. Epub 2005 Dec 15.

Abstract

Adrenomedullin 2/intermedin (AM2/IMD) is a novel member of the calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) peptide family. AM2/IMD has a vasodilator action, and antidiuretic and antinatriuretic effects in mice. The aim of the present study is to clarify immunolocalization of AM2/IMD in human hypothalamus, heart and kidney obtained at autopsy. Immunocytochemistry showed AM2/IMD-immunoreactive cell bodies in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of human hypothalamus. Both parvocellular and magnocellular cells in the paravetricular nucleus are immunostained with AM2/IMD. Immunostaining of serial sections showed co-localization of AM2/IMD-like immunoreactivity and vasopressin in the paraventricular nucleus. Myocardial cells of the heart and renal tubular cells were positively immunostained with AM2/IMD, whereas neither renal glomeruli nor vasculature in the heart and kidney were immunostained. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirmed expression of AM2/IMD mRNA in the brain, pituitary, heart and kidney. The present study has shown the wide expression of AM2/IMD in human hypothalamus, heart and kidney, raising the possibility that this novel peptide may be related to the central and peripheral regulation of the circulation and water-electrolyte metabolism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenomedullin
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Electrolytes
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamus / metabolism*
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods*
  • Kidney / metabolism*
  • Myocardium / metabolism*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
  • Peptide Hormones / metabolism*
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • ADM2 protein, human
  • Electrolytes
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Peptide Hormones
  • Peptides
  • Water
  • Adrenomedullin