Hemodynamic effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide in conscious rats

The cardiovascular effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were examined in conscious, unrestrained rats. Changes in mean arterial pressure, heart rate and cardiac output were continuously monitored before and after i.v. bolus injection of CGRP (0.1-5 micrograms/kg). Injection of the peptide caused dose-dependent reductions in mean arterial pressure (-24 +/- 4 mmHg), which were accompanied by marked tachycardia. Cardiac output was significantly increased after CGRP but little change was observed in stroke volume. CGRP also reduced total peripheral resistance (-46 +/- 6%). These data indicate that the hypotensive actions of CGRP are mediated through peripheral vasodilation rather than through reductions in cardiac output. Pretreatment with propranolol significantly reduced the tachycardia responses to CGRP from 81 +/- 11 beats/min to 36 +/- 4 beats/min, but did not abolish the increase in heart rate. These data suggest that CGRP produces a tachycardia through reflex increases in cardiac sympathetic tone and through possible direct positive chronotropic effects on the heart.     

Biological actions of human and rat calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide

We assessed the central and peripheral biological actions of human and rat calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). After intravenous administration, human and rat calcitonin, but neither human nor rat CGRP significantly decreased plasma calcium and phosphorus concentrations in awake, freely moving rats. After intracerebroventricular as well as after intravenous administration, human and rat calcitonin and human and rat CGRP significantly inhibited gastric acid secretion in conscious rats. Intracerebroventricular administration of rat calcitonin did not alter plasma calcium and phosphorus concentrations. Linear, partially protected CGRP and calcitonin did not exhibit any biological effects. These studies indicate that calcitonin, but not CGRP, affects calcium and phosphorus homeostasis while both peptides decrease gastric acid secretion similarly. Furthermore, these studies support the hypothesis that the calcium and phosphorus lowering effects of calcitonin are peripheral while the gastric inhibiting actions of the calcitonin and CGRP are mediated by the central nervous system.     

The effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide on pancreatic blood flow and secretion in conscious dogs

The effects of human alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide (alpha-CGRP) and beta-CGRP on pancreatic arterial (PA), superior mesenteric (SMA) and left gastric arterial (LGA) blood flows were studied by ultrasound transit-time blood flow meters in five conscious dogs. Intravenous injections of alpha-CGRP and beta-CGRP (5-200 pmol/kg) induced a dose-related increase in PA flow and a dose-related decrease in its resistance. At lower doses, alpha-CGRP was more potent than beta-CGRP, but their maximal responses were similar. The blood flow responses to alpha-CGRP (200 pmol/kg) were 153% of the basal flow in LGA, 313% in PA, and 534% in SMA, while those to VIP (100 pmol/kg) were 467% in LGA, 953% in PA and 163% in SMA. Somatostatin reduced blood flow in all arteries. alpha-CGRP, but not beta-CGRP, at higher doses induced gastric contractions and pancreatic protein-rich secretion, which were blocked by atropine. These results suggest that CGRP in perivascular nerves in the pancreas may regulate pancreatic blood flow in dogs but its physiological function remains to be studied.     

Central nervous system action of calcitonin gene-related peptide to inhibit gastric emptying in the conscious rat

The central nervous system action of rat alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide (alpha-CGRP) on gastric emptying of a liquid, noncaloric, methylcellulose solution was assessed in 24-hr fasted, conscious rats using phenol red method as a marker. Intracisternal injection of alpha-CGRP (0.75-250 pmol) dose-dependently inhibited gastric emptying by 27-94% as measured 20 min after oral administration of the solution. The ED50 was 6.2 pmol. alpha-CGRP injected intravenously at 250 pmol delayed gastric emptying by 71% whereas a lower dose (75 pmol) was inactive. Intracisternal alpha-CGRP-induced inhibition of gastric emptying was completely abolished by bilateral adrenalectomy and partially suppressed by subdiaphragmatic vagotomy or coeliac/superior mesenteric ganglionectomy. Adrenalectomy or vagotomy in saline-treated animals did not significantly modify the rate of gastric emptying whereas coeliac/superior mesenteric ganglionectomy caused a significant 29% inhibition as compared to the nonoperated group. These results demonstrate that alpha-CGRP is a potent centrally acting inhibitor of gastric emptying of a nonnutrient liquid. The inhibitory effect of intracisternal injection of CGRP appears to be mediated by the adrenal gland and in part by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.     

Ontogeny of calcitonin gene-related peptide and calcitonin in the rat thyroid

In this immunohistochemical study, the ontogenic development of calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the rat thyroid was investigated and compared with that of calcitonin using the indirect-immunofluorescence method. Parafollicular cells with immunoreactivity to both CGRP and calcitonin first appeared at an early stage of gestation (days 17 and 18) in the central portion of the thyroid. Cells immunoreactive to CGRP and calcitonin had became numerous by gestational day 22. After postnatal day 7, CGRP- and calcitonin-immunoreactive (C-IR) cells increased rapidly both in number and in the intensity of their fluorescence. In 14- to 90-day old rats, many intensely immunoreactive cells were distributed in the central portion of the thyroid. The cells immunoreactive to CGRP and to calcitonin had an almost identical ontogenic appearance. In 14-day-old and adult rats, C-IR cells also exhibited CGRP immunostaining, suggesting that these cells simultaneously produce and store CGRP during ontogeny.     

Ontogeny of calcitonin gene-related peptide and calcitonin in the rat thyroid

Summary In this immunohistochemical study, the ontogenic development of calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the rat thyroid was investigated and compared with that of calcitonin using the indirect-immunofluorescence method. Parafollicular cells with immunoreactivity to both CGRP and calcitonin first appeared at an early stage of gestation (days 17 and 18) in the central portion of the thyroid. Cells immunoreactive to CGRP and calcitonin had became numerous by gestational day 22. After postnatal day 7, CGRP- and calcitonin-immunoreactive (CIR) cells increased rapidly both in number and in the intensity of their fluorescence. In 14- to 90-day old rats, many intensely immunoreactive cells were distributed in the central portion of the thyroid. The cells immunoreactive to CGRP and to calcitonin had an almost identical ontogenic appearance. In 14-day-old and adult rats, C-IR cells also exhibited CGRP immunostaining, suggesting that these cells simultaneously produce and store CGRP during ontogeny.     

Stimulation of calcitonin secretion in the pig by calcitonin gene-related peptide

Pig thyroid glands were surgically isolated in situ and perfused with autologous blood to which was added known concentrations of calcitonin gene-related peptide (αCGRP). When thyroids were perfused with measured concentrations of CGRP within the range of 0.6–600 nM, the secretion rate of calcitonin (CT) was stimulated while the release of T₃, T₄, and somatostatin remained unchanged. Specific binding of ¹²⁵I-CGRP to pig thyroid plasma membranes was demonstrated, and binding was inhibited by unlabelled CGRP but not by CT or by other peptides unrelated structurally to CGRP. The findings indicate that the pig thyroid gland contains plasma membrane binding sites for CGRP and that CGRP is capable of stimulating the secretion of CT.     

降钙素基因相关肽与偏头痛关系的研究

偏头痛是临床上常见的多发性疾病,主要表现为一侧或双侧头部反复发作的搏动性疼痛,可伴有恶心、呕吐、视物异常等神经症状。关于偏头痛的发病机制研究尚无定论。偏头痛的发病机理一直受到人们的关注,近年来一些研究表明,偏头痛的发作与头颅血管周围组织产生的血管活性物质,特别是与三叉神经血管系统的降钙素基因相关肽(calcitonin gene-relatedpeptide,CGRP)的含量变化关系密切。     

降钙素基因相关肽受体组分蛋白

降钙素基因相关肽受体组分蛋白(calcitonin gene-related peptide-receptor component protein,CGRP-RCP)是降钙素基因相关肽受体的一个具有146/148个氨基酸的胞内膜周边蛋白,特异地与降钙素受体样受体(calcitonin receptor-like receptor,CRLR)相互作用并促进CGRP和肾上腺髓质素的信号跨膜转导,现认为CGRP-RCP也是G蛋白偶联受体中一个动态的调节器。CGRP-RCP的mRNA在人和鼠的几乎所有组织均可检测到,在小鼠睾丸中分布尤其明显。在哺乳动物中,CGRP-RCP与C17(酵母菌中聚合酶III的必需亚基)是直系同源蛋白,人体的CGRP-RCP能取代酵母中的C17,发挥与C17相同的生物学作用。     

Potent anti-inflammatory action of calcitonin gene-related peptide.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), but not substance P (SP), was found to inhibit edema-promoting actions of inflammatory mediators (histamine, leukotrine B4, 5-hydroxytryptamine) in vivo in the hamster cheek pouch, human skin, and rat paw. The effect of CGRP was present in the low nanomolar dose range, and it was mimicked by activation of sensory nerves with capsaicin which caused release of endogenous CGRP-like immunoreactivity (IR). The findings provide new information on the potential impact of sensory nerve activation during inflammatory processes by indicating that sensory nerves may play an anti-inflammatory role.     

Adrenomedullin inhibits neurotransmission of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-containing vasodilator nerves in rat mesenteric resistance arteries.

We have reported that the rat mesenteric resistance artery has innervation of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-containing vasodilator nerves (CGRPergic nerves). We also demonstrated that adrenomedullin (AM) causes mesenteric vasodilation through activation of CGRP receptors. The present study was designed to examine the effect of AM on neurotransmission of CGRPergic nerves in rat mesenteric arteries. In preconstricted preparations without endothelium, periarterial nerve stimulation (PNS, 1 and 2 Hz) induced a frequency-dependent vasodilation. A bolus injection of CGRP (10 pmol) into the perfusate also caused a vasodilation. AM (0.1 to 10 nM) concentration-dependently caused 40% to 60% inhibition of the PNS-induced vasodilation, but AM did not attenuate vasodilation induced by exogenous CGRP injection. The inhibitory effect of AM (10 nM) on PNS-induced vasodilation was further potentiated by CGRP [8-37] (CGRP receptor antagonist, 50 nM), which attenuated the vasodilator response to the CGRP injection. Combined perfusion of AM [22-52] (AM receptor antagonist, 10 to 100 nM) resulted in further inhibition of PNS-induced neurogenic vasodilation without affecting the vasodilator response to the CGRP injection. CGRP [8-37] but not AM [22-52] antagonized vasodilation induced by AM perfusion. These findings suggest that AM presynaptically inhibits neurotransmission of CGRPergic nerves, probably decreasing CGRP release, via receptors different from CGRP receptors.     

Intraventricular calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibits gastric acid secretion

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a 37 amino acid peptide recently demonstrated to be a peptide expressed by the calcitonin gene in the rat central nervous system. Intracerebroventricular administration of CGRP in pylorus ligated rats resulted in a dose dependent suppression of gastric acid secretion. This effect was also present in acutely vagotomized rats. In addition, CGRP inhibited the stimulation of gastric acid secretion by thyrotropin releasing hormone. CGRP was considerably less potent in its effect on gastric acid than calcitonin, a well known central inhibitor of gastric acid secretion in the rat. This study suggests that CGRP may be a factor in the central regulation of gastric acid secretion in the rat.     

Distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide and calcitonin-like immunoreactivity in trout

Radioimmunoassay and chromatography were used to study the occurrence of calcitonin gene-related peptide in various tissues of the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdnerii. The highest concentrations of the peptide were found in gill (1.68 +/- 0.09 ng/mg protein) and in intestine (1.06 +/- 0.4 ng/mg protein). Significant concentrations were also found in heart and stomach. The level in brain was very low. In trout, the plasma concentration accounted for 283 +/- 82 pg/ml. Chromatographic analysis of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-like immunoreactivity occurring in gills showed that two molecular forms cross-reacted with the anti-human CGRP antibody, one co-eluting with the synthetic human CGRP. In addition, calcitonin in fish is not confined to the ultimobranchial organ but is also present in organs as heart, intestine, kidney, spleen and stomach. The evidence of CGRP in fish emphasizes the role of this hormone in evolution and leads us to investigate its physiological role in this species.     

Presence and release of calcitonin gene-related peptide in rat stomach

Immunoreactive (IR)-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was identified throughout the entire stomach of rats, being most highly concentrated in the pyloric region, and the concentrations in muscular layers being higher than those in mucosal layers. In addition, IR-CGRP was also present in the venous effluent from isolated perfused rat stomach, and its release was stimulated by dibutyryl cyclic AMP or theophylline but not by glucagon. Gel chromatography as well as HPLC of both tissue extracts and gastric perfusate showed three identical major peaks of IR-CGRP, one of which coeluted with synthetic CGRP. These results suggest that CGRP in the stomach plays a role in the regulation of gastric function.     

Genomic and expression analysis of canine calcitonin receptor-stimulating peptides and calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide

Calcitonin receptor-stimulating peptides (CRSPs) are new members of the calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide (CT/CGRP) family identified in pigs, dogs and other domestic animals, and CRSP-1 is an active ligand for the CT receptor (CT-R). We recently sequenced porcine CRSP genes (Crsps) and found similarity with the CT/CGRP gene (Ct/Cgrp) in sequence and genomic organization. In this study, we identified five Crsps, Crsp-1 to Crsp-5, in dogs. Crsp-1 has five exons with an exon-intron organization identical to that of porcine Crsp-1 or Crsp-2, while Crsp-2 and Crsp-3 have additional CT-2- and CT-3-coding exons like Ct/Cgrp. Crsp-2 was renamed as Ct-2/Crsp-2 because both CRSP-2 and CT-2 mRNAs were tissue-specifically expressed. Crsp-4 and Crsp-5 are presumably generated by retrotransposition. We postulate that Crsps were generated from the gene duplication of Ct/Cgrp, and gained their diversity during mammalian evolution. Among the canine CTs and CRSPs, CRSP-1, CT-1 and CT-2 are active ligands for the CT-R, but CRSP-2 and others are inactive. Canine CRSP-1 and CT-2 are expressed in the central and peripheral systems, while CT-1 is localized in the thyroid gland. These findings indicate that dogs can be used for an experimental model as analysing the physiological roles of the CT/CGRP/CRSP family.