Biomaterial Database

Calcitonin gene-related peptide and the kidney. 1994

D Villarreal, and G Reams, and R Freeman

Division of Cardiology, University of Missouri, Columbia 65212.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a recently discovered neurotransmitter that is extensively localized in fibers innervating vascular and endocrine systems. CGRP possesses potent vasorelaxant effects, and a role for this peptide in the regional regulation of blood flow has been suggested. Although pharmacologic evidence indicates that the renal vasculature is very sensitive to CGRP, the physiologic actions of this peptide on the kidney have not yet been fully elucidated. This short review focuses on relevant experimental and clinical information of the direct and indirect effects of CGRP on renal function with an emphasis on hemodynamics, sodium excretion, and the renin-angiotensin system.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007668	Kidney	Body organ that filters blood for the secretion of URINE and that regulates ion concentrations.	Kidneys
D009318	Natriuresis	Sodium excretion by URINATION.	Natriureses
D012084	Renin-Angiotensin System	A BLOOD PRESSURE regulating system of interacting components that include RENIN; ANGIOTENSINOGEN; ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME; ANGIOTENSIN I; ANGIOTENSIN II; and angiotensinase. Renin, an enzyme produced in the kidney, acts on angiotensinogen, an alpha-2 globulin produced by the liver, forming ANGIOTENSIN I. Angiotensin-converting enzyme, contained in the lung, acts on angiotensin I in the plasma converting it to ANGIOTENSIN II, an extremely powerful vasoconstrictor. Angiotensin II causes contraction of the arteriolar and renal VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE, leading to retention of salt and water in the KIDNEY and increased arterial blood pressure. In addition, angiotensin II stimulates the release of ALDOSTERONE from the ADRENAL CORTEX, which in turn also increases salt and water retention in the kidney. Angiotensin-converting enzyme also breaks down BRADYKININ, a powerful vasodilator and component of the KALLIKREIN-KININ SYSTEM.	Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System,Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System,Renin Angiotensin System,System, Renin-Angiotensin,System, Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone
D006439	Hemodynamics	The movement and the forces involved in the movement of the blood through the CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM.	Hemodynamic
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D015740	Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide	A 37-amino acid peptide derived from the calcitonin gene. It occurs as a result of alternative processing of mRNA from the calcitonin gene. The neuropeptide is widely distributed in the brain, gut, perivascular nerves, and other tissue. The peptide produces multiple biological effects and has both circulatory and neurotransmitter modes of action. In particular, it is a potent endogenous vasodilator.	Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide I,Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide II,alpha-CGRP,alpha-Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide,beta-CGRP,beta-Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide,Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide,Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide I,Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide II,Gene-Related Peptide, Calcitonin,alpha Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide,beta Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide