LOCALIZATION OF CALCITONIN-GENE-RELATED PEPTIDE BINDING-SITES IN THE EYE OF DIFFERENT SPECIES

The localization of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) binding sit es in the eye of monkey, pig, cat and guinea pig was studied by autora diography. Specific binding of CGRP was found in ciliary muscle, cilia ry processes and limbal conjunctiva in all tested species. Furthermore , specific binding sites of CGRP was found in the choroidea of monkey, pig and guinea pig, in the iris of pig, cat and guinea pig, in the re tina of pig and in the anterior chamber angle of cat. The number of sp ecific binding sites varied depending on the tissue and species. The p resent study shows that there are specific binding sites of CGRP in th e eye of monkey, pig, cat and guinea pig. CGRP binding sites found in vascular system of ciliary body, choroidea and iris further demonstrat es the role of CGRP as a vasoregulatory peptide. Binding sites in the ciliary muscle, in the limbal conjunctiva and in the chamber angle are a may indicate a role in the regulation of ciliary muscle tone, epithe lial cell regeneration and aqueous humour outflow.