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Ex Vivo Release of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide from the Trigeminovascular System in Rodents
Published on: May 16, 2022
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the regenerating rat sciatic nerve
G Raivich1, F L Dumoulin, W J Streit
1Department of Neuromorphology, Max-Planck-Institute for Psychiatry, D-8033 Martinsried (FRG).
Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience
|May 10, 2011
Summary
Calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) binding increases in injured rat sciatic nerves, suggesting a role in nerve regeneration. Axonal transport of CGRP decreases post-injury but recovers with successful nerve repair.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) is a neuromodulator found in peripheral nervous system neurons.
- Understanding CGRP's role in nerve injury and regeneration is crucial for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in axonal transport and receptor expression of CGRP in injured and regenerating rat sciatic nerves.
Main Methods:
- Utilized CGRP-immunocytochemistry, radioimmunoassay, and quantitative in situ receptor autoradiography.
- Examined axotomized and transected rat sciatic nerves at various time points post-injury.
Main Results:
- Axotomy significantly increased CGRP binding in the distal nerve stump, with greater increases in denervated segments.
- Anterograde axonal transport of CGRP decreased post-injury but recovered during regeneration.
- Retrograde CGRP transport was minimal, suggesting local release into the endoneurium.
Conclusions:
- Persistent upregulation of endoneural CGRP binding indicates a regulatory role in axonal-endoneural interactions during peripheral nerve regeneration.
- CGRP may be released by regenerating neurites, influencing the nerve microenvironment.
