title: Calcitonin gene-related peptide: a potent dilator of human epicardial coronary arteries.
abstract: To investigate the action of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on human epicardial coronary arteries, six patients received intracoronary CGRP at doses of 50,100, and 200 ng/min. The effect of CGRP was measured angiographically with a computerized analysis system. A dose-dependent increase in coronary arterial diameter was observed. At the highest dose there were 34%, 7%, 38%, and 40% mean increases in the diameters of the circumflex, proximal, mid, and distal left anterior descending arteries, respectively. No further increase in diameter was found after a subsequent dose of 1 mg intracoronary isosorbide dinitrate. Prior infusion of CGRP did not prevent coronary arterial spasm induced by ergonovine in two patients with variant angina, but a subsequent bolus of CGRP partially relieved the spasm. We propose that CGRP has a role in the regulation of coronary vascular smooth muscle tone.
mesh_terms: D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D000788:Angina Pectoris, Variant / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003329:Coronary Vasospasm / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004874:Ergonovine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007548:Isosorbide Dinitrate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D009479:Neuropeptides; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D007548:Isosorbide Dinitrate; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; D004874:Ergonovine