Mutual modification of vasoactivity by calcitonin gene-related peptide and endothelin-1 in isolated porcine ophthalmic artery.
Vasodilation has been implicated in the pathophysiology of some headaches, but the mechanisms behind such abnormalities remain unknown. Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), a peptide present in sensory trigeminal fibres, induces strong and long lasting vasodilation in cranial vessels, and has been found to be increased in jugular blood during migraine attacks. Endothelin (ET) is a recently identified potent vasoconstrictor peptide, which also induces long-lasting responses. ET-CGRP interactions may be of importance in vascular beds putatively involved in pain development in the head, and were therefore studied in isolated porcine ophthalmic arteries. Both peptides were found to induce strong and long-lasting reactions in this artery. CGRP decreased ET-induced contractions and ET decreased CGRP-induced relaxations. These effects were additive rather than synergistic.
Bakken
I J
IJ
Department of Physics (NTH), University of Trondheim, Norway.
Vincent
M B
MB
White
L R
LR
Juul
R
R
Edvinsson
L
L
Sjaastad
O
O
D000818:Animals; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D016232:Endothelins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D009880:Ophthalmic Artery / Q000187:drug effects*; D013552:Swine; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D016232:Endothelins; D009479:Neuropeptides; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide