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Calcitonin gene-related peptide

(Science: protein) a second product transcribed from the calcitonin gene. Calcitonin gene related peptide is found in a number of tissues including nervous Tissue. It is a vasodilator that may participate in the cutaneous triple response.

It is a neuropeptide of 37 amino acids with structural homology to salmon calcitonin. Co-localises with substance p in neurons. It occurs as a result of alternative processing of mrna from the calcitonin gene.

The neuropeptide is widely distributed in neural tissue of 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.

Intracerebral administration leads to a rise in noradrenergic sympathetic outflow, a rise in blood pressure and a fall in gastric secretion.

Acronym: cgrp