What is the relevance of vascular responses to CGRP?

TRPA1-expressing sensory nerves contain and release the highly potent vasodilator α-calcitonin gene-related peptide (α-CGRP)1. We demonstrated that TRPA1 acts as a primary vascular cold sensor2. The initial cold-induced vasoconstriction is mediated via TRPA1-dependent superoxide production, stimulating α2c-adrenoceptors and rho-kinase mediated myosin-light-chain phosphorylatio n. The subsequent restorative blood flow is dependent on TRPA1 activation, mediated by CGRP and nitric-oxide. The TRPA1-CGRP dilator pathway is thus important in the physiological reflex to local cold response.

Source: Neuropeptides - October 1, 2017 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Aisah Aubdool, Susan Brain Source Type: research