Summary
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been localized in cardiac nerve fibers and blood vessels from which it may be released as neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. Acute cardiovascular effects of i.v. administered CGRP have been studied in human subjects. CGRP (25.3 nmol) caused a mean maximal increase of the heart rate of 41 beats per min (P<0.01) and lowered arterial systolic and diastolic pressures by 26 mm Hg and 20 mm Hg, respectively (P<0.01) (n=6 subjects). These effects were associated with facial flushing, and a rise of plasma levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine of 257 pg/ml and 9 pg/ml, respectively (P<0.01). Administration of equimolar amounts of human calcitonin caused no cardiovascular effects except for minor facial flushing. Serum calcium was marginally lowered with both CGRP (0.2 mg/100 ml) and calcitonin (0.4 mg/100 ml) (P<0.05). Further-more, CGRP (12.7 nmol) reduced the preejection period and duration of the electromechanical systole by 26 msec and 66 msec, respectively (P<0.001 andP<0.01), presumably acting as positive inotropic agent. Labetalol, blocking adrenergic receptors, obliterated these inotropic effects, whereas the positve chronotropic and hypotensive actions of CGRP remained unchanged.
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Gennari, C., Fischer, J.A. Cardiovascular action of calcitonin gene-related peptide in humans. Calcif Tissue Int 37, 581–584 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02554909
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02554909