Methods of treating a mammal at risk for ischemia-reperfusion injury are provided. The methods comprise administrating an adrenomedullin binding protein-1 (AMBP-1) to the mammal in sufficient amount to reduce the injury. Also provided are methods of treating a mammal at risk for ischemia-reperfusion injury to the bowel. The methods comprise administering adrenomedullin to the mammal in sufficient amount to reduce the injury.