Potential of calcitonin gene-related peptide in coronary heart disease

A subpopulation of capsaicin-sensitive cardiac C-fibre afferents co-store c alcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P and neurokinin A. CGRP e xerts positive inotropic and chronotropic effects and is one of the most po tent endogenous vasodilators yet discovered, A number of endogenous agents and conditions cause activation of cardiac C-fibre afferents with subsequen t local release of CGRP, In myocardial ischaemia with its clinical manifest ations angina pectoris and infarction, C-fibre afferents not only convey th e sensation of pain, but there is also a local 'efferent' release of CGRP i n the heart. After being released, CGRP causes coronary vasodilatation and attenuates the development of myocardial infarction, CGRP may thus represen t an endogenous local myocardial protective substance with interesting clin ical implications. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.