Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) stimulates release of peptides derived from pro-somatostatin (Pro-S) into the general circulation. The purpose of this investigation was to elucidate the origin and molecular heterogeneity of Pro-S-derived peptides secreted in response to CGRP. Catheters were placed into the vena cava and veins draining the gastric fundus and corpus, antrum, and small intestine of anesthetized pigs. Human CGRP I was infused into the descending aorta at 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 micrograms.kg-1.h-1 for consecutive 30-min intervals. Blood was collected from the venous catheters after each period. S-28 was separated from Pro-S, S-14, and S-13 by immunoaffinity chromatography and peptides were quantified by radioimmunoassay. CGRP primarily evoked release of peptides measured collectively as Pro-S, S-14, and S-13 into venous blood draining the fundus and corpus, and concentrations were significantly elevated above basal at 0.8 and 1.6 micrograms.kg-1.h-1 CGRP (P less than 0.05). Basal concentrations of S-28, Pro-S, S-14, and S-13 in blood from the antrum and small intestine were not significantly elevated by CGRP. In conclusion, CGRP stimulated release of Pro-S-derived peptides from the gastric fundus and corpus but not from the antrum or small intestine.