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Adrenomedullin was originally discovered in human pheochromocytoma but is now known to be widely distributed in various organs. Adrenomedullin is a potent vasodilatator peptide that exerts major effects on cardiovascular function. Plasma adrenomedullin concentration is increased in patients with cardiovascular disease such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, renal failure and other diseases. The present review summarizes the recent advances on adrenomedullin research and demonstrates that adrenomedullin is one of the important vasoactive peptides involved in the physiology and pathophysiology of cardiovascular system.

Particular aspects of plasma ACTH radioimmunoassay are examinated. The results obtained with this method in adrenocortical diseases (Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia) are reported and clinical value in etiological diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome is outlined. Moreover the results obtained in other syndromes of endocrinologic interest (massive obesity, Turner's and Klinefelter's syndromes, Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome, true precocious puberty, primary hypothyroidism, hypopituitary dwarphism) are reported and discussed.