A possible neurotransmitter role for CGRP in a hair-cell sensory organ.
We report that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) increases the discharge rate of afferent fibers innervating hair cells in the lateral line organ of Xenopus laevis. We have localized CGRP-like immunoreactivity in small, presumably efferent, fibers innervating the lateral line organ. In addition to providing evidence for a neurotransmitter role for CGRP in a sensory system, these results may help explain the non-cholinergic excitatory effect seen with efferent stimulation in this and other hair cell organs such as the inner ear.
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000294:innervation*; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D014982:Xenopus laevis
D009479:Neuropeptides; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide