A novel peptide found in human blood, adrenomedullin (ADM), has been shown to have systemic vasodepressor activity in the rat. However, the direct effects of ADM on cardiac function are unknown. Results of the present study demonstrate that ADM13-52 possesses marked systemic vasodepressor activity in the anesthetized rat. Although ADM13-52 modestly decreased peak systolic pressure (PSP) indicating mild negative inotropic activity, the present data suggest that bolus administration of ADM decreases systemic arterial pressure by dilating the systemic vasculature. The present data also suggest that only a portion of the ADM molecule is necessary to produce systemic vasodilation.