Calcitonin gene-related peptide-binding sites of porcine cardiac muscles and coronary arteries: solubilization and characterization

Neurotransmitter-mediated open-field behavioral action of CGRP

The effects of central administration of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on open-field activity were examined in male rats. Three doses (250 ng, 500 ng and 1 microg) of CGRP given intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) were tested on the ambulatory, rearing and grooming activities of the animals. One microg of peptide significantly decreased the ambulatory activity and increased the rearing and grooming activities 30 min after the treatment. The animals were pretreated with different receptor antagonists in doses which by itself did not affect the behavioural paradigm. The decrease in ambulation induced by CGRP was antagonized by acetylcholine-, opioid-, 5HT-receptor and beta-adrenoceptor antagonists. CGRP induced increase in rearing activity was blocked by naloxone, phenoxybenzamine and propranolol. The CGRP-induced increase in grooming behavior was prevented by atropine, haloperidol, naloxone, methysergide and propranolol. The results suggest that different neurotransmitter systems are involved in the action of CGRP on open-field behavior in rats.

Effects of adrenomedullin and calcitonin gene-related peptide on contractions of the rat aorta and porcine coronary artery

1. Effects of adrenomedullin and alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the contractions and cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) of the rat aorta and porcine coronary artery were investigated. Characteristics of the receptors mediating the effects of adrenomedullin and alpha-CGRP were also investigated. 2. Adrenomedullin and alpha-CGRP caused a concentration-dependent relaxation in the rat aorta contracted with noradrenaline. The IC50 values for adrenomedullin and alpha-CGRP were 2.4 nM and 4.0 nM, respectively. The relaxant effects of these peptides were abolished by removal of the endothelium and significantly attenuated by an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 100 microM), but not by a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (10 microM). 3. Adrenomedullin and alpha-CGRP increased the endothelial [Ca2+]i in the rat aorta with endothelium, whereas they did not change [Ca2+]i in the smooth muscle. 4. An antagonist of the CGRP1 receptor, CGRP (8-37), antagonized the relaxant effects of alpha-CGRP and the beta-isoform of CGRP (beta-CGRP) but not those of adrenomedullin in the rat aorta. 5. In the porcine coronary artery contracted with U46619, adrenomedullin and alpha-CGRP caused a concentration-dependent relaxation with an IC50 of 27.6 and 4.1 nM, respectively. Removal of the endothelium altered neither the IC50 values nor the maximal relaxations induced by adrenomedullin or alpha-CGRP. When the artery was contracted with high K+ solution (72.7 mM), these peptides caused a small relaxation. 6. Adrenomedullin and alpha-CGRP increased cyclic AMP content and decreased the smooth muscle [Ca2+]i in the porcine coronary artery. 7. CGRP (8-37) significantly antagonized the relaxant effects of adrenomedullin and alpha-CGRP in the porcine coronary artery. However, it had little effect on the relaxations induced by the beta-isoform of CGRP (beta-CGRP). 8. These results suggest that in the rat aorta, adrenomedullin and alpha-CGRP increase the endothelial [Ca2+]i, activate nitric oxide synthase and release nitric oxide, without a direct inhibitory action on smooth muscle. In the porcine coronary artery, in contrast, adrenomedullin and alpha-CGRP directly act on smooth muscle, increase cyclic AMP content, decrease the smooth muscle [Ca2+]i and inhibit contraction. The rat aortic endothelium seems to express the CGRP receptor which is sensitive to alpha-CGRP, beta-CGRP and CGRP (8-37) and the adrenomedullin specific receptor. The porcine coronary smooth muscle, in contrast, seems to express two types of CGRP receptor; one of which is sensitive to alpha-CGRP, CGRP (8-37) and adrenomedullin and the other is sensitive only to beta-CGRP.

Neuroanatomical localization, pharmacological characterization and functions of CGRP, related peptides and their receptors

Calcitonin generelated peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide discovered by a molecular approach over 10 years ago. More recently, islet amyloid polypeptide or amylin, and adrenomedullin were isolated from human insulinoma and pheochromocytoma respectively, and revealed between 25 and 50% sequence homology with CGRP. This review discusses findings on the anatomical distributions of CGRP mRNA, CGRP-like immunoreactivity and receptors in the central nervous system, as well as the potential physiological roles for CGRP. The anatomical distribution and biological activities of amylin and adrenomedullin are also presented. Based upon the differential biological activity of various CGRP analogs, the CGRP receptors have been classified in two major classes, namely the CGRP1 and CGRP2 subtypes. A third subtype has also been proposed (e.g. in the nucleus accumbens) as it does not share the pharmacological properties of the other two classes. The anatomical distribution and the pharmacological characteristics of amylin binding sites in the rat brain are different from those reported for CGRP but share several similarities with the salmon calcitonin receptors. The receptors identified thus far for CGRP and related peptides belong to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. Indeed, modulation of adenylate cyclase activity following receptor activation has been reported for CGRP, amylin and adrenomedullin. Furthermore, the binding affinity of CGRP and related peptides is modulated by nucleotides such as GTP. The cloning of various calcitonin and most recently of CGRP1 and adrenomedullin receptors was reported and revealed structural similarities but also significant differences to other members of the G protein-coupled receptors. They may thus form a new subfamily. The cloning of the amylin receptor(s) as well as of the other putative CGRP receptor subtype(s) are still awaited. Finally, a broad variety of biological activities has been described for CGRP-like peptides. These include vasodilation, nociception, glucose uptake and the stimulation of glycolysis in skeletal muscles. These effects may thus suggest their potential role and therapeutic applications in migraine, subarachnoid haemorrhage, diabetes and pain-related mechanisms, among other disorders.

Identification of a protein that confers calcitonin gene-related peptide responsiveness to oocytes by using a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator assay

An expression-cloning strategy was used to isolate a cDNA that encodes a protein that confers calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) responsiveness to Xenopus laevis oocytes. A guinea pig organ of Corti (the mammalian hearing organ) cDNA library was screened by using an assay based on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The CFTR is a chloride channel that is activated upon phosphorylation; this channel activity was used as a sensor for CGRP-induced activation of intracellular kinases. A cDNA library from guinea pig organ of Corti was screened by using this oocyte-CFTR assay. A cDNA was identified that contained an open reading frame coding for a small hydrophilic protein that is presumed to be either a CGRP receptor or a component of a CGRP receptor complex. This CGRP receptor component protein confers CGRP-specific activation to the CFTR assay, as no activation was detected upon application of calcitonin, amylin, neuropeptide Y, vasoactive intestinal peptide, or beta-endorphin. In situ hybridization demonstrated that the CGRP receptor component protein is expressed in outer hair cells of the organ of Corti and is colocalized with CGRP-containing efferent nerve terminals.

Multiple affinity and guanine nucleotide sensitive forms of the calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) receptor

Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) is a novel neuropeptide with an impressive array of biological actions consistent with its diverse tissue distribution and suggested role as neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. Binding sites for CGRP with properties consistent with those of receptors are present in both central and peripheral tissues. Radioligand binding studies were performed to investigate the fundamental processes underlying CGRP receptor activation and signaling following agonist occupancy of the receptor. These studies documented the existence of a selective, high affinity, and homogeneous population of binding sites for CGRP in membranes prepared prepared from central and various peripheral tissues. The affinity of [125I]CGRP for these sites was regulated by GTP or its stable analog GTP--gamma S, indicating coupling of CGRP receptors to G-protein(s). Kinetic studies documented the existence of the CGRP receptor in multiple affinity states when both coupled to and uncoupled from G-protein(s). These findings suggest that CGRP occupancy of its receptor induces conformational changes in the receptor that may be involved in its coupling to G-proteins and that the resulting ligand--receptor---protein ternary complex exists in multiple affinity conformational states. It seems likely that the multiple affinity states of the CGRP receptor ternary complex are involved differentially in signaling by and desensitization of the receptor. This evidence for agonist-induced conformational changes in a G-protein-coupled receptor prior to its coupling with G-protein(s) and for the existence of the ligand--receptor--G-protein ternary complex in multiple affinity conformational states is novel and extends our current understanding of the nature of the processes involved in agonist-dependent activation of G-protein-coupled receptors.

Binding sites for islet amyloid polypeptide in mammalian lung: species variation and effects on adenylyl cyclase

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) share a 47% sequence homology. IAPP can interact with adenylyl cyclase coupled CGRP receptors. We have examined [125I]IAPP binding in mouse, pig, and guinea pig lung membranes in competition with IAPP, CGRP, and CGRP(8-37). Three types of site were shown by order of potency: (i) mouse, IAPP > CGRP(8-37) >> CGRP; (ii) pig, CGRP > IAPP > CGRP(8-37); and (iii) guinea pig, CGRP = IAPP = CGRP(8-37). Chemical cross-linking of [125I]IAPP and [125I]CGRP binding sites in lung demonstrated that both sites had similar molecular weights in any one species but differed across species, i.e., mouse M(r) = 70,000 and 98,000; pig M(r) = 68,000, 56,000, and 47,000; and guinea pig M(r) = 106,000 and 56,000. Adenylyl cyclase activity was stimulated by forskolin and AlCl3-NaF in rat, mouse, pig, and guinea pig membranes. Only in mouse and pig were CGRP and IAPP able to stimulate adenylyl cyclase activity. In mouse lung CGRP and IAPP stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity with EC50 values of 642 +/- 222 nM (n = 4) and 325 +/- 115 nM (n = 4), respectively. In pig lung membranes EC50 values were 5.7 +/- nM (n = 4) for CGRP and 1230 +/- 1130 nM (n = 4) for IAPP. Thus IAPP either did not stimulate adenylyl cyclase activity in these lung membranes or did so with a low potency.

Specific receptors for adrenomedullin in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells

The effects of synthetic rat adrenomedullin (rAM), a novel vasorelaxant peptide originally isolated from human pheochromocytoma, on receptor binding and cAMP generation were studied in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). A binding study using [125I]rAM revealed the presence of a single class of high-affinity (Kd 1.3 x 10(-8) M) binding sites for rAM in VSMC. The apparent Ki of rat calcitonin gene-related peptide (rCGRP) was 3 x 10(-7) M. Affinity labeling of VSMC membranes with [125I]rAM revealed two distinct labeled bands with apparent molecular weights of 120 and 70 kDa, both of which were abolished by excess unlabeled rAM or rCGRP, rAM stimulated cAMP formation with an approximate EC50 of 10(-8) M, the effect of which was additive with isoproterenol, but not with rCGRP. The rAM-induced cAMP response was unaffected by propranolol, indomethacin, or quinacrine, but inhibited by a CGRP receptor antagonist, human CGRP[8-37]. These data suggest that VSMC possesses specific AM receptors functionally coupled to adenylate cyclase with which CGRP interacts.

Solubilization of binding sites for IAPP and CGRP from rat lung

Functional binding sites for [125I]IAPP and [125I]CGRP were solubilized from rat lung membranes with CHAPSO (10 mM). Rat IAPP had a higher affinity (Ki = 22.9 nM) for [125I]IAPP binding and rat alpha CGRP (Ki = 0.904 nM) had a higher affinity for [125I]CGRP binding over related peptides. [125I]IAPP binding was unaffected by GTP gamma S, but [125I]CGRP binding was 50% inhibited, indicating solubilization of a G-protein-receptor complex for CGRP but not IAPP binding. Wheat germ agglutinin affinity columns gave a 25-fold purification of IAPP binding sites, but no CGRP binding sites were eluted from the column, indicating different patterns of glycosylation of the two sites.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide innervation and binding sites in rat aorta during development

Indirect immunohistochemistry performed on whole mounts of arch and thoracic part of the rat aorta at six developmental stages (from embryonic day 17 to 6 months, in males and females) revealed that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) innervation is highest in the arch. The highest density of innervation is found at the three first postnatal ages investigated (day 1, day 3 and 5 weeks; 2.6 +/- 0.6 intercepts/mm in the arch at 1 day); however, all values are low compared to other arteries. The innervation grows from a few short isolated fibres in the embryo to a more complex meshwork in older animals. No striking differences were noticed between males and females. Autoradiographic studies were performed on serial sections at several levels of the aorta but did not reveal binding sites for CGRP in the vascular wall. This might be due to the technique which does not allow visualization of low density of binding sites, or to binding sites of weak affinity. We discuss the possible importance of CGRP in rat aortic smooth muscle development.

Isolation, purification, and characterization of calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor

Intact calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors were solubilized from porcine neural membranes using sodium cholate: potassium buffer. The solubilized receptors were purified sequentially by hydrophobic interaction and ion-exchange chromatography followed by specific affinity chromatography. Using these procedures, we have isolated 2 nmol of highly purified active CGRP receptor to a homogeneity (5 x 10(8)-fold purification). The isolated receptors retained their specificity and the capacity to bind to 125I-CGRP, and showed no cross-reactivity with a number of other peptides, except with amylin having 46% amino acid sequence homology to h-CGRP. The solubilized receptors were adsorbed by WGA-agarose and concanavalin-A, suggesting a glycoprotein nature. SDS-PAGE, size-exclusion HPLC, and autoradiography confirmed that CGRP receptor is a monomeric membrane protein with M(r) 66 kDa.

Regional distribution and regulation of [125I]calcitonin gene-related peptide binding sites in coronary arteries

Quantitative in vitro autoradiographic techniques were used to localize and characterize 125I-labelled human calcitonin gene-related peptide ([125I]hCGRP) binding sites in sections of bovine left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Specific high affinity (Kd 0.4 nM) [125I]hCGRP binding sites were localized to the media of both epicardial and myocardial coronary arteries. Binding site density was greater in distal epicardial and myocardial arteries than in proximal epicardial regions of the LAD. Binding sites exhibited a significantly higher affinity for alpha-hCGRP (Ki 1.1 nM) than for hCGRP-(8-37) (Ki 7.0 nM) and [Cys(ACM)2,7]hCGRP (Ki 27.4 nM). Guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) inhibited [125I]hCGRP binding in a concentration-dependent manner. Extrinsic denervation of the bovine heart resulted in a depletion of CGRP-like immunoreactive perivascular nerve fibres and an increase in the density of coronary artery [125I]hCGRP binding sites (P = 0.0092). The regional distribution of binding sites in human coronary arteries differed from that observed in bovine and porcine vessels. It is concluded that selective, G protein-coupled, CGRP receptors are present in the media of bovine coronary arteries; there are both regional and species differences in the distribution of CGRP binding sites in coronary arteries and endogenous CGRP may exert a tonic influence on coronary vasomotor tone.

Comparison of a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor in a human neuroblastoma cell line (SK-N-MC) and a calcitonin receptor in a human breast carcinoma cell line (T47D)

A specific CGRP-binding protein of M(r) 60,000 has been identified in the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-MC. After N-deglycosylation a M(r) of 48,000 was found. The M(r) were indistinguishable from those determined in the human cerebellum. Receptor binding of CGRP is coupled to cyclic AMP formation. The latter is antagonized by hCGRP-I8-37. CT and DAPamide interact only minimally with the CGRP receptor, whereas CGRP and DAPamide are full agonists in T47D cells. The CT receptor on human breast cancer cell line T47D is clearly different from the human CGRP receptor.

The effect of monoclonal antibodies to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on CGRP-induced vasodilatation in pig coronary artery rings

1. The modification of the vasodilator effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) by a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), which map to discrete epitopes on the CGRP molecule, was investigated in pig coronary artery rings (PCA). The preparations were pre-constricted with acetylcholine (3 x 10(-7) M) and concentration-response curves to CGRP (2 x 10(-10)-2.56 x 10(-8) M) were obtained in the presence or absence of each MAb. 2. CGRP caused a concentration-dependent relaxation of PCAs which reached a maximum (98.2 +/- 4.8%, n = 25) at 1.28 x 10(-8) M and gave an EC50 of 3.8 +/- 0.8 x 10(-9) M. 3. Two MAbs which map to the N-terminal, CN1 and CRA3, did not affect the CGRP response whilst a third, CRA5, significantly inhibited its effect. 4. The C-terminal MAb, CRA2, did not modify the CGRP response whilst, in contrast, CB3 (C-terminal) potentiated its effect. A similar augmentation of the CGRP-induced vasodilatation was seen in the presence of the middle-region MAb, CRA8. 5. These results suggest that regional specific MAbs can modify the vasodilator effect of CGRP causing either inhibition (CRA5, N-terminal) or potentiation (CB3, C-terminal; CRA8, middle region).

Calcitonin gene-related peptide: multiple actions, multiple receptors

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) shows diversity both in its effects and its receptors. It is likely to have roles as a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, local hormone and trophic factor. Its effects include rapid changes in neuronal activity, relaxation of many types of smooth muscle, actions on metabolism and changes in gene expression. Receptor heterogeneity has been revealed from experiments comparing agonist potency ratios and antagonist affinities. The evidence from these approaches is reviewed in this article and a speculative receptor classification scheme is proposed. Some of the likely future directions for CGRP research are discussed.

Characterization and photoaffinity labeling of a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor solubilized from human cerebellum

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors were solubilized from human (h) cerebellum with use of the zwitterionic detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonic acid (CHAPS). Scatchard analysis of equilibrium binding data indicated that the soluble extract contained a single class of CGRP binding sites with apparent dissociation constants of 50 pM for the intact 125I-hCGRP-I(1-37) and 160 pM for the antagonist 125I-hCGRP-I(8-37). Unlabeled hCGRP-I and -II and hCGRP-I(8-37) displaced 125I-hCGRP-I from solubilized CGRP receptors with similar potencies (ID50 = 70-150 pM). Human CGRP-I(15-37), -(21-37), and -(28-37) were less potent (ID50 greater than or equal to 70 nM), suggesting that amino acid residues 8-14 may be important for maintaining high binding affinity. A novel photoreactive analogue of hCGRP-I, 125I-[C gamma-(4-azidoanilino)Asp3] hCGRP-I, was prepared by carbodiimide coupling of 4-azidoaniline to 125I-hCGRP-I. Photoaffinity labeling of soluble CGRP receptors with the photoreactive analogue and analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography revealed three specifically labeled binding proteins with apparent molecular weights (Mr) of 60,000, 54,000, and 17,000. Cross-linking of 125I-hCGRP-I and -II and 125I-hCGRP-I(8-37) to soluble CGRP binding sites using disuccinimidyl suberate revealed three specifically labeled binding proteins with the same Mr. The C-terminal fragment 125I-hCGRP-I(8-37), unlike the intact peptide, was, furthermore, cross-linked specifically to a 95,000 Mr protein. The CGRP receptor is N-glycosylated. Treatment with endoglycosidase F/N-glycosidase F converted the 60,000 and 54,000 to 46,000 and 41,000 Mr components.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Differential vasodilator profile of calcitonin gene-related peptide in porcine large and small diameter coronary artery rings

The vasodilator profile of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was compared in large diameter (3-4 mm outer diameter) and small diameter (less than 1 mm outer diameter) rings from porcine left anterior descending coronary arteries (LAD). CGRP relaxed both sized rings in an endothelium-independent manner but was 10 X more potent in small compared to large diameter rings. Repeated administration of CGRP to small diameter rings did not cause the development of tolerance to its effects, whereas in the large diameter rings marked tolerance developed. Pretreatment with the CGRP peptide fragment, CGRP-(8-37) antagonised the vasodilator effects of CGRP in a concentration-dependent manner, but in large diameter rings, the antagonistic potency of CGRP-(8-37) was 10 X less than that seen in the small diameter rings. This differing vasodilator profile of CGRP in small and large diameter rings of pig LADs may be related to a differential CGRP receptor distribution along their length.

Cross-reactivity of amylin with calcitonin-gene-related peptide binding sites in rat liver and skeletal muscle membranes

This study examines whether the high degree of sequence identity between amylin and calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) is reflected in their cross-reactivity at the level of membrane receptor binding. Rat liver plasma membranes contain a specific saturable binding site for 125I-labelled human CGRP-1. Binding reached equilibrium within 30 min and was rapidly reversed by re-incubating membranes in the presence of 1 microM human CGRP. In addition, the presence of 50 mM- or 500 mM-NaCl lowered specific binding by 30% and 77% respectively. Scatchard analysis was consistent with a single high-affinity site with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.125 nM and binding capacity (Bmax.) of 580 fmol/mg of membrane protein. Specific binding of 125I-labelled human CGRP-1 to both liver and skeletal muscle membranes was inhibited by human CGRP-1 [IC50 (concn. causing half-maximal inhibition of binding) 0.1-0.3 nM], and rat amylin (IC50 10 nM), but not by human calcitonin. Covalent cross-linking of 125I-CGRP to its binding site in rat skeletal muscle and liver membranes resulted in labelling of a major species of about 70 kDa under reducing conditions and about 55 kDa under alkylating conditions, as visualized on SDS/PAGE. These radiolabelled species were absent in the presence of CGRP or amylin at 1 microM. These results are indicative of a common binding site for both CGRP and amylin in liver and skeletal muscle, and it is suggested that both peptides mediate their actions through the same effector system. The normal physiological importance and the relevance to the pathology of type 2 diabetes of these data are discussed.

Central nervous system binding sites for calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide

Alternative splicing of the primary RNA transcript of the calcitonin gene leads to the generation of two distinct peptides, calcitonin (CT) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). These peptides share only limited sequence homology and generally subserve different biological functions through their own distinct binding sites, which differ in specificity and distribution. Additionally, a binding site with high-affinity binding for both peptides that has a restricted pattern of distribution has been identified. The present article reviews the biochemical and morphological characteristics of centra CT and CGRP binding sites.

Characterization and developmental evolution of a high-affinity binding site for calcitonin gene-related peptide on chick skeletal muscle membrane

Calcitonin gene-related peptide is a putative neurotransmitter of central and peripheral nervous systems which coexists with acetylcholine in motor nerve terminals and exerts multiple effects on skeletal muscle, suggesting a trophic role for this neuropeptide. Using radiolabeled calcitonin gene-related peptide as a probe in a specific binding assay, we have characterized calcitonin gene-related peptide binding sites on chick skeletal muscle membranes. Binding is time-dependent, saturable and reversible. Scatchard analyses revealed two classes of sites: high-affinity sites with a KD value of 62 pM, and low-affinity sites with a KD value of 3.3 nM. The maximal number of sites is, respectively, 22 and 155 fmol/mg protein for high- and low-affinity binding sites. Specific binding was not affected by the presence, in excess, of other neuropeptides such as salmon calcitonin or somatostatin or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. Affinity of the binding site for calcitonin gene-related peptide was decreased in the presence of 5'-guanylyl-imidodiphosphate, suggesting a physiological coupling of calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor to a GTP binding protein. In a developmental study of chick muscle, we found the highest activity of calcitonin gene-related peptide binding sites in 11-14 day embryos, following a pattern of evolution similar to that of acetylcholine receptors (constant ratio of 12 acetylcholine receptors per calcitonin gene-related peptide binding site). However, both receptors appear differentially regulated: while the number of acetylcholine receptors increases 5-16-fold after denervation, calcitonin gene-related peptide binding sites slightly diminish in number. These results are discussed in terms of the physiological significance of calcitonin gene-related peptide binding sites on chick skeletal muscle membrane.