Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
6
pubmed:dateCreated
1993-1-6
pubmed:abstractText
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a product of the calcitonin/CGRP gene, is a potent vasodilating neuropeptide widely distributed throughout the cardiovascular system, particularly in the heart. Immunocytochemical studies have demonstrated CGRP-containing neurofibrils in the myocardium and in the periadventitia of coronary blood vessels. Based on these studies, it has been assumed that all of the CGRP peptide in the heart is synthesized in neurons whose cell bodies are located outside of the heart. Using Northern blot analysis and a ribonuclease protection assay, we observed in the rat heart low levels of a CGRP-like mRNA species that appeared to be identical to authentic CGRP mRNA produced in the brain and dorsal root ganglia. The ventricles contained somewhat more CGRP mRNA than did the atria. Also, whereas the dorsal root ganglia synthesized both alpha- and beta-CGRP mRNA, only the alpha-CGRP mRNA was detected in the heart. The presence of CGRP mRNA in the heart suggests that the CGRP gene is transcriptionally active in a subpopulation of heart cells, possibly neuronal, which have the potential to synthesize and secrete this neuropeptide. Given the potent coronary vasodilatory and positive chronotropic and inotropic effects of CGRP, the localized synthesis of CGRP in the heart may play a role in modulating cardiovascular function.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
AIM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Dec
pubmed:issn
0002-9629
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
304
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
339-44
pubmed:dateRevised
2007-11-14
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1992
pubmed:articleTitle
Localization and characterization of calcitonin gene-related peptide mRNA in rat heart.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Human Biological Chemistry and Genetics University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't