Calcitonin gene-related peptide is present in mammalian cerebrovascular nerve fibres and dilates pial and peripheral arteries

Human alpha‐calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is a potent vasodilator in human mesenteric vasculature.

“…In human radial, coronary and gastric arteries the relaxation evoked by human a-CGRP was also endothelium dependent (Thom et al, 1987). In contrast to these observations, in rings of cat middle cerebral artery the response was independent of the endothelium (Hanko et al, 1985). Whether this reflects the difference in species and/or vascular bed remains to be established.…”

Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is a potent non‐endothelium‐dependent inhibitor of coronary vasomotor tone

“…Although CGRP is a potent inhibitor of vasomotor tone in systemic vascular beds (Brain et al, 1985;Hanko et al, 1985), its effects on coronary arteries are uncertain. In Hospital,Fulham Road,London,SW3. the vasodilator effects of CGRP are indirect and may involve the release of secondary mediators such as the endothelium-derived relaxant factor (EDRF) (Brain et al, 1985), prostaglandins (Brain et al, 1985) or even catecholamines (Fischer et al, 1983;Etienne et al, 1984).…”

Combination of acupuncture and spinal manipulative therapy: management of a 32-year-old patient with chronic tension-type headache and migraine

“…Migraine attacks are thought to begin with disinhibition of the trigeminal ganglion, by activation of the contralateral thalamus and dorsal rostral brainstem, 40,41 which results in the release of vasoactive peptides at the vascular ends of the trigeminal nerve fibers. 42 The end result of the release of these vasoactive peptides, such as substance P, is a state of neurogenic inflammation 43 and stimulation of the trigeminal nucleus 44 by nociceptive unmyelinated C fibers. The trigeminal nerve and upper cervical nerve root innervate the structures in the brain with nociceptive unmyelinated C fibers: the large cerebral vessels, meningeal blood vessels, venous sinus, and pia and dura mater.…”