Additional info: |
CGRP is a 37 amino acid peptide synthesized in the central and peripheral nervous system from a calcitonin/CGRP gene complex. Two isoforms have been described which differ by three amino acids and display similar biological activities: CGRP-.alpha., which is produced by alternative splicing of a calcitonin gene transcript, and CGRP-.beta., the product of a separate gene. In the CNS, CGRP acts as a neurotransmitter that is released from a subset of small sensory neurons that transmit pain information. In the circulation, CGRP is one of the most potent vasodilators known and may function as a regulator of blood flow. When administered systemically, CGRP causes hypotension in several species, including humans. Intradermal administration of CGRP at femtomole doses produces increased blood flow and persistent reddening. This EIA is based on a double-antibody sandwich technique that permits measurement of CGRP within the range of 0-500 pg/ml, with a detection limit of <1 pg/ml. This assay provides a method for the sensitive, specific analysis of CGRP in a variety of samples including plasma, serum, nervous tissue, CSF, and culture media. |