Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a 37 amino acid vasoactive neuropeptide that is widely distributed in central and peripheral nervous systems in mammals. CGRP was discovered in 1982 by molecular cloning of calcitonin (CT) gene. CGRP-specific mRNA appears to predominate in the hypothalamus while CT mRNA predominates in the thyroid. CGRP has an amphiphilic α-helical secondary structure i...

Near-u.v. and far-u.v. c.d. spectra of human alpha-calcitonin-gene-related peptide (h alpha CGRP), analogues and fragments of CGRP and amylin were recorded in aqueous solution and in trifluoroethanol (TFE)/water mixtures. All peptides contained significant amounts of alpha-helix in aqueous solution, and this amount increased on adding TFE. The helical content was unaffected by pH and salt. Howe...

belongs to the CGRP superfamily. The human ADM precursor (preproADM) is 185 amino acids in length and is processed to 164-amino acid peptide, proADM, and then to a 52-amino acid peptide, the biologically active form of ADM. The genomic DNA of human

In the guinea pig distal colon, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP, 0.1-30 nM) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition in electrically-evoked nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) contractions and exogenous substance P-induced contractions. Both the inhibitory actions of CGRP were insensitive to human CGRP(8-37) (1-3 microM), a CGRP1 receptor antagonist. These results indicate that in th...

Few studies have investigated the role calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays in the process of spinal fusion. The aim of the present study is to observe the temporal and spatial changes of CGRP induced by experimental fusion surgery in rats and elucidate the role of CGRP in spinal fusion. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study and the specimens were collected on the 7th, 14th, 2...

Migraine is a common, chronic disorder of the brain causing much disability, as well as personal, familial and societal impact. Several oral preventive agents are available in different countries for the prevention of migraine, but none have performed better than 50% improvement in 50% of patients in a clinical trial. Additionally, each has various possible adverse events making their tolerabil...

Triptans, serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists, more than revolutionizing the treatment of migraine, stimulated also ground breaking research that provided insights into the anatomy, physiology, and molecular pharmacology of migraine. This knowledge, in turn, is stimulating research on new mechanisms of action for the treatment of migraine. Accordingly, it is opportune to critically review the...

The CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) receptor is a family B GPCR (G-protein-coupled receptor). It consists of a GPCR, CLR (calcitonin receptor-like receptor) and an accessory protein, RAMP1 (receptor activity modifying protein 1). RAMP1 is needed for CGRP binding and also cell-surface expression of CLR. CLR is an example of a family B GPCR. Unlike family A GPCRs, little is known about how...