Biological activity of N-terminal fragments of calcitonin gene-related peptide

Abstract

The i.v. injection of human α-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in urethane-anesthetized rats produced hypotension and tachycardia. The N-terminal fragments, CGRP-(1-12), CGRP-(1-15) and CGRP-(1-22) displayed biological activity, although with less potency than the natural peptide. These findings provide the first evidence for biological agonist activity of N-terminal CGRP fragments. © 1990.