Published papers

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a vasodilating hormone secreted mainly from vascular wall, and its expression is markedly enhanced after stroke. We have revealed that AM promotes not only vasodilation but also vascular regeneration. In this study, we focused on the roles of AM in the ischemic brain and examined its therapeutic potential. We developed novel AM-transgenic (AM-Tg) mice that overproduce AM in the liver and performed middle cerebral artery occlusion for 20 min (20m-MCAO) to examine the effects of AM on degenerative or regenerative processes in ischemic brain. The infarct area and gliosis after 20m-MCAO was reduced in AM-Tg mice in association with suppression of leukocyte infiltration, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the ischemic core. In addition, vascular regeneration and subsequent neurogenesis were enhanced in AM-Tg mice, preceded by increase in mobilization of CD34(+) mononuclear cells, which can differentiate into endothelial cells. The vasculo-neuro-regenerative actions observed in AM-Tg mice in combination with neuroprotection resulted in improved recovery of motor function. Brain edema was also significantly reduced in AM-Tg mice via suppression of vascular permeability. In vitro, AM exerted direct antiapoptotic and neurogenic actions on neuronal cells. Exogenous administration of AM in mice after 20m-MCAO also reduced the infarct area, and promoted vascular regeneration and functional recovery. In summary, this study suggests the neuroprotective and vasculo-neuro-regenerative roles of AM and provides basis for a new strategy to rescue ischemic brain through its multiple hormonal actions.

OBJECTIVE: We demonstrated previously that mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGF-R2)-positive cells can differentiate into both vascular endothelial cells and mural cells. This time, we investigated kinetics of differentiation of human ES cells to vascular cells and examined their potential as a source for vascular regeneration. METHODS AND RESULTS: Unlike mouse ES cells, undifferentiated human ES cells already expressed VEGF-R2, but after differentiation, a VEGF-R2-positive but tumor rejection antigen 1-60 (TRA1-60)-negative population emerged. These VEGF-R2-positive but tumor rejection antigen 1-60-negative cells were also positive for platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha and beta chains and could be effectively differentiated into both VE-cadherin+ endothelial cell and alpha-smooth muscle actin+ mural cell. VE-cadherin+ cells, which were also CD34+ and VEGF-R2+ and thought to be endothelial cells in the early differentiation stage, could be expanded while maintaining their maturity. Their transplantation to the hindlimb ischemia model of immunodeficient mice contributed to the construction of new blood vessels and improved blood flow. CONCLUSIONS: We could identify the differentiation process from human ES cells to vascular cell components and demonstrate that expansion and transplantation of vascular cells at the appropriate differentiation stage may constitute a novel strategy for vascular regenerative medicine.