Characterization of binding sites for amylin, calcitonin, and CGRP in primate kidney

Analysis of receptor distributions for 125I-labeled amylin, 125I-labeled calcitonin, and 125I-labeled calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in Macaca fascicularis kidney by in vitro autoradiography revealed distinct patterns of binding for each peptide. 125I-rat amylin bound primarily to the cortex, being associated with the distal tubule, including apparent binding to the juxtaglomerular apparatus. 125I-salmon calcitonin displayed high-density binding in the cortex with low-density binding to the medulla. Emulsion autoradiography indicated that binding was associated with both distal tubule and thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. Intense binding was also found often over juxtaglomerular apparatus. 125I-rat CGRP-alpha exhibited low- to moderate-density binding to the inner medulla/papilla with high-density binding over small-, medium-, and large-caliber arteries. Weak binding to the glomerulus was also seen, but no binding was associated with cortical tubules. Competition binding studies, performed with each of the radioligands, revealed peptide specificity profiles for CGRP and calcitonin receptors that were similar to those described in rat. However, the monkey amylin receptors differed from those in rat, exhibiting relatively higher affinity for calcitonin peptides but reduced affinity for CGRP peptides. These studies suggest potential roles for amylin, calcitonin, and CGRP in primate renal function.