The mechanism of adrenomedullin-induced prolactin release was investigated in prolactin-secreting human pituitary adenoma cells by intracellular calcium measurement and static incubation study. Adrenomedullin stimulated prolactin release in a concentration-dependent manner. The stimulation was dependent on extracellular sodium and voltage-gated calcium channels. PKA inhibitor attenuated adrenomedullin-induced prolactin release. The mechanism of adrenomedullin action was studied by fura 2-based intracellular calcium measurement. Adrenomedullin increased intracellular calcium concentration in these cells. The increase was dependent on extracellular sodium and voltage-gated calcium channels. PKA inhibitor attenuated the calcium response. These data indicate that adrenomedullin stimulates prolactin release by modulating calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels dependently on extracellular sodium. Mechanisms involving sodium-influx mediated depolarization may play a role in the stimulatory action.