. Allergopedia

Dictionary of Allergies .. Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP)

A neuropeptide identified in the respiratory tract. It is also colocalized with SP in airway nerves. (CGRP) immunoreactivity coexists with the tachykinins in cell bodies of nodose and jugular ganglia and in axons and nerve terminals of airways. CGRP immunoreactive nerves have been found around ganglia, blood vessels, within the tracheobronchial smooth muscle layers, and under and within respiratory epithelium. CGRP immunoreactivity was als found in epithelial neuroendocrine cells and neuroepithelial bodies.

CGRP is potent neuropeptide, inducer of bronchial smooth muscle contraction, bronchial oedema, plasma exudation and hypersecretion of mucus. CGRP has been reported to be more potent than SP in contracting human bronchi in vitro, and probably acts via specific receptors[1]. Several lines of evidence suggest a major role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the pathogenesis of migraine and other primary headaches. Inhibition of CGRP receptors by olcegepant and telcagepant has been successfully used to treat acute migraine and to reduce the activity of spinal trigeminal neurons involved in meningeal nociception in rodents[2].

References

1. Casale, T.B.: Airway Neuropeptides: The reason for wheezing. In  Postgraduate Education Course Syllabus. A.A.A.I. 46 Annual Meeting. Baltimore, Maryland, March, 23-28, 1990.

2. Sixt ML, Messlinger K, Fischer MJ. Calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist olcegepant acts in the spinal trigeminal nucleus. Brain. 2009 Sep 8.

Γκέλης Ν.Δ. - Λεξικό Αλλεργίας - Εκδόσεις ΒΕΛΛΕΡOΦΟΝΤΗΣ - Κόρινθος 2013

Gelis Ν.D. - Dictionary of Allergies - VELLEROFONTIS Publications - Corinth 2013