Receptors for calcitonin, calcitonin gene related peptide, amylin, and adrenomedullin

Adrenomedullin and truncated peptide adrenomedullin(22-52) affect chondrocyte response to apoptotis in vitro: downregulation of FAS protects chondrocyte from cell death

Chondrocyte apoptosis may have a pivotal role in the development of osteoarthritis. Interest has increased in the use of anti-apoptotic compounds to protect against osteoarthritis development. In this work, we investigated the effect of adrenomedullin (AM), a 52 amino-acid hormone peptide, and a 31 amino-acid truncated form, AM(22-52), on chondrocyte apoptosis. Bovine articular chondrocytes (BACs) were cultured under hypoxic conditions to mimic cartilage environment and then treated with Fas ligand (Fas-L) to induce apoptosis. The expression of AM and its calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR)/receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP) (receptor/co-receptor) was assessed by immunostaining. We evaluated the effect of AM and AM(22-52) on Fas-L-induced chondrocyte apoptosis. FAS expression was appreciated by RT-qPCR and immunostainings. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), CLR and one co-receptor (RAMP2) was evidenced. With BACs under hypoxia, cyclic adenosine monophosphate production increased dose-dependently with AM stimulation. AM significantly decreased caspase-3 activity (mean 35% decrease; p = 0.03) as a marker of Fas-L-induced apoptosis. Articular chondrocytes treated with AM showed significantly reduced cell death, along with downregulated Fas expression and production, as compared with AM(22-52). AM decreased articular chondrocyte apoptosis by downregulating a Fas receptor. These findings may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches in osteoarthritis.

Oligomeric Receptor Complexes and Their Allosteric Receptor-Receptor Interactions in the Plasma Membrane Represent a New Biological Principle for Integration of Signals in the CNS

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) not only exist as monomers but also as homomers and heteromers in which allosteric receptor-receptor interactions take place, modulating the functions of the participating GPCR protomers. GPCRs can also form heteroreceptor complexes with ionotropic receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases modulating their function. Furthermore, adaptor proteins interact with receptor protomers and modulate their interactions. The state of the art is that the allosteric receptor-receptor interactions are reciprocal, highly dynamic and substantially alter the signaling, trafficking, recognition and pharmacology of the participating protomers. The pattern of changes appears to be unique for each heteromer and can favor antagonistic or facilitatory interactions or switch the G protein coupling from e.g., Gi/o to Gq or to beta-arrestin signaling. It lends a new dimension to molecular integration in the nervous system. Future direction should be aimed at determining the receptor interface involving building models of selected heterodimers. This will make design of interface-interfering peptides that specifically disrupt the heterodimer possible. This will help to determine the functional role of the allosteric receptor-receptor interactions as well as the integration of signals at the plasma membrane by the heteroreceptor complexes, vs. integration of the intracellular signaling pathways. Integration of signals also at the plasma membrane seems crucial in view of the hypothesis that learning and memory at a molecular level takes place by reorganization of homo and heteroreceptor complexes in the postsynaptic membrane. Homo and heteroreceptor complexes are in balance with each other, and their disbalance is linked to disease. Targeting heteroreceptor complexes represents a novel strategy for the treatment of brain disorders.

The acute effect of amylin and salmon calcitonin on energy expenditure

The pancreatic B-cell hormone amylin is known to be involved in the regulation of meal ending satiation and it also shares typical features of adiposity signals. Chronic amylin administration has recently been shown to increase energy expenditure under certain conditions. Here we investigate the acute effect of peripheral administration of amylin or its agonist salmon calcitonin (sCT) on energy expenditure and respiratory quotient (RQ). First, rats were injected with amylin (5 microg/kg IP) or saline just before dark onset. Despite significantly decreased food intake in amylin-treated rats compared to control until 2 h post-injection (p<0.05), amylin did not influence energy expenditure or RQ. Reduced food intake, which reduces energy expenditure, may have confounded a stimulatory effect of amylin on energy expenditure. Therefore, in the second experiment, amylin (1, 5 and 10 microg/kg IP) or saline was injected in the middle of the light phase (t=0 h) without access to food during 3 h post-injection. Amylin had no significant effects on energy expenditure or RQ. In a similar paradigm, the effect of sCT (0.1, 1.0 and 5.0 microg/kg IP) was tested. During food restriction, 5.0 microg/kg sCT significantly stimulated energy expenditure compared to control (p<0.05). Subsequent to refeeding at t=3 h, energy expenditure was decreased compared to control at t=8 h and t=10 h after 5.0 microg/kg sCT, probably due to sCT's strong anorectic action. Thus amylin may prevent the compensatory decrease in energy expenditure normally seen in animals that eat less. The longer acting sCT stimulated energy expenditure in animals without food access.

Effects of amylin deficiency on trabecular bone in young mice are sex-dependent

Amylin deficiency in mice results in late-onset osteopenia. Sex differences have been identified in insulin secretion in Amylin-overexpressing transgenic mice, suggesting a possible interaction of sex steroids, growth factors, or cytokines and amylin. The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of amylin deficiency on bone in young and adult male and female mice. The metaphyses of the distal femora from male and female Amylin-deficient mice at 4, 6, and 26 weeks of age were assessed by bone histomorphometry. Femoral length was increased in Amylin-deficient male mice compared to wild-type (WT) mice at 26 weeks of age (P < 0.005) but not in females. This was associated with an increase in growth plate height in Amylin-deficient males at 4 (P < 0.01) and 6 (P < 0.05) weeks of age. Furthermore, young Amylin-deficient males had decreased trabecular number at 4 weeks of age (P < 0.05) and increased trabecular thickness at 4 and 6 weeks of age (P < 0.05) compared to WT mice, with no net change in trabecular bone volume. These effects of amylin deficiency were not observed in female mice. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that amylin deficiency exerts effects on bone during growth that are sex-dependent and suggest a possible interaction between amylin and testosterone, growth factors, or cytokines to regulate bone cell metabolism.

Adrenomedullin: a new target for the design of small molecule modulators with promising pharmacological activities

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a 52-amino acid peptide with a pluripotential activity. AM is expressed in many tissues throughout the body, and plays a critical role in several diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and renal disorders, among others. While AM is a protective agent against cardiovascular disorders, it behaves as a stimulating factor in other pathologies such as cancer and diabetes. Therefore, AM is a new and promising target for the development of molecules which, through their ability to regulate AM levels, could be used in the treatment of these pathologies.

Receptor autoradiography as mean to explore the possible functional relevance of neuropeptides: focus on new agonists and antagonists to study natriuretic peptides, neuropeptide Y and calcitonin gene-related peptides

Over the past 20 years, receptor autoradiography has proven most useful to provide clues as to the role of various families of peptides expressed in the brain. Early on, we used this method to investigate the possible roles of various brain peptides. Natriuretic peptide (NP), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and calcitonin (CT) peptide families are widely distributed in the peripheral and central nervous system and induced multiple biological effects by activating plasma membrane receptor proteins. The NP family includes atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). The NPY family is composed of at least three peptides NPY, peptide YY (PYY) and the pancreatic polypeptides (PPs). The CT family includes CT, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), amylin (AMY), adrenomedullin (AM) and two newly isolated peptides, intermedin and calcitonin receptor-stimulating peptide (CRSP). Using quantitative receptor autoradiography as well as selective agonists and antagonists for each peptide family, in vivo and in vitro assays revealed complex pharmacological responses and radioligand binding profile. The existence of heterogeneous populations of NP, NPY and CT/CGRP receptors has been confirmed by cloning. Three NP receptors have been cloned. One is a single-transmembrane clearance receptor (NPR-C) while the other two known as CG-A (or NPR-A) and CG-B (or NPR-B) are coupled to guanylate cyclase. Five NPY receptors have been cloned designated as Y(1), Y(2), Y(4), Y(5) and y(6). All NPY receptors belong to the seven-transmembrane G-protein coupled receptors family (GPCRs; subfamily type I). CGRP, AMY and AM receptors are complexes which include a GPCR (the CT receptor or CTR and calcitonin receptor-like receptor or CRLR) and a single-transmembrane domain protein known as receptor-activity-modifying-proteins (RAMPs) as well as an intracellular protein named receptor-component-protein (RCP). We review here tools that are currently available in order to target each NP, NPY and CT/CGRP receptor subtype and establish their respective pathophysiological relevance.

Adrenomedullin and cancer

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a pluripotent hormone with structural similarities to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which is expressed by many tissues in the body and shows a remarkable range of effects mediated by paracrine/autocrine and possibly endocrine mechanisms. AM has been implicated as a mediator of several pathologies such as cardiovascular and renal disorders, sepsis, inflammation, diabetes and cancer, among others. AM is expressed in a variety of tumors where it aggravates several of the molecular and physiological features of malignant cells. AM has been shown to be a mitogenic factor stimulating growth in several cancer types and to encourage a more aggressive tumor phenotype. In addition, AM is an apoptosis survival factor for cancer cells and an indirect suppressor of the immune response through its binding protein, complement factor H, and regulation in expression of cytokines. AM plays an important role in environments subjected to low oxygen tensions, which is a typical feature in the proximity of solid tumors. Under these conditions, AM is upregulated through a hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1)-dependent pathway and acts as a potent angiogenic factor promoting neovascularization. The collective findings brought together over the last years place AM as a major regulator of carcinogenesis-tumor progression and identifies its autocrine loop as a putative target for developing new strategies against human cancers.

Calcitonin receptor isoforms expressed in the developing rat kidney

BACKGROUND

Development in the metanephric-kidney transition period involves the precise expression of paracrine and autocrine events in an ordered spatio-temporal manner. Expression of these molecular events is tightly controlled and includes positive and negative growth factors and cognate receptors within close proximity in developing structures in the expanding renal cortex and medulla. The expression of calcitonin receptor (CTR) isoforms C1a and C1b in this context has not previously been described. Our current study also explored the relationship between the expression of CTR isoforms and amylin binding sites.

METHODS

Techniques included immunohistochemistry with novel antibodies that detect CTR isoforms, real time PCR for the quantification of CTR isoforms, Western blot and in vitro autoradiography, on tissues from embryo day 18 to postnatal day 30.

RESULTS

The CTR C1a isoform is expressed in the ureteric ducts of the metanephros and both isoforms are expressed in the developing distal convoluted tubules, ascending limbs of the loop of Henle and collecting ducts in the postnatal rat kidney. There was a 60-fold excess of C1a versus C1b isoforms. An apparent molecular weight of 63 kD was found. In vitro autoradiography demonstrated that while amylin binding sites were predominantly in the cortex, CTR expression was largely localized in the medulla in an earlier event, followed by cortical expression.

CONCLUSIONS

CTR C1a protein expression has been identified in the ureteric ducts in the metanephros and both isoforms expressed in the distal portions of the developing nephrons and collecting ducts. Since amylin binding sites have been localized on the proximal tubules of the cortex, it is unlikely that amylin receptors can be represented by modification of CTR affinity with receptor activity modifying proteins in the kidney.

Amylin, released from the gastric fundus, stimulates somatostatin and thus inhibits histamine and acid secretion in mice

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Amylin, a peptide that displays 50% homology with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), is colocalized with somatostatin in endocrine cells of the gastric fundus. The present study was designed to determine the mechanism of action of amylin on gastric exocrine and endocrine secretion.

METHODS

Acid secretion was measured in the isolated mouse stomach by titration. Somatostatin and histamine secretion were measured in rat fundic segments by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

In isolated mouse stomach, amylin caused a concentration-dependent decrease in acid secretion. In rat fundic segments, amylin and CGRP each caused a concentration-dependent increase in somatostatin and a decrease in histamine secretion. Changes in histamine secretion induced by amylin reflected changes in somatostatin secretion and could be abolished by addition of somatostatin antibody. Both the somatostatin and the histamine responses to amylin were abolished by the selective amylin antagonist AC187 but were unaffected by the CGRP antagonist CGRP8-37. In contrast, the responses to CGRP were abolished by CGRP8-37 but were unaffected by AC187. AC187 alone decreased somatostatin and increased histamine in fundic segments and increased acid secretion in isolated stomach, indicating that endogenous amylin participates in the regulation of gastric endocrine (somatostatin and histamine) and exocrine (acid) secretion.

CONCLUSIONS

In gastric fundus, release of amylin from somatostatin cells interacts with distinct amylin receptors to enhance somatostatin secretion via an autocrine pathway that leads to inhibition of histamine and acid secretion.

Cloning, characterization and central nervous system distribution of receptor activity modifying proteins in the rat

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), adrenomedullin (ADM), amylin and calcitonin (CT) are structurally and functionally related neuropeptides. It has recently been shown that the molecular pharmacology of CGRP and ADM is determined by coexpression of one of three receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) with calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR). Furthermore, RAMP proteins have also been shown to govern the pharmacology of the calcitonin receptor, which in association with RAMP1 or RAMP3, binds amylin with high affinity. In this study, we have cloned the rat RAMP family and characterized the pharmacology of rat CGRP and ADM receptors. Rat RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3 shared 72%, 69% and 85% homology with their respective human homologues. As expected CRLR-RAMP1 coexpression conferred sensitivity to CGRP, whilst association of RAMP2 or RAMP3 with CRLR conferred high affinity ADM binding. Using specific oligonucleotides we have determined the expression of RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3 mRNAs in the rat central nervous system by in situ hybridization. The localization of RAMP mRNAs was heterogeneous. RAMP1 mRNA was predominantly expressed in cortex, caudate putamen and olfactory tubercles; RAMP2 mRNA was most abundant in hypothalamus; and RAMP3 was restrictively expressed in thalamic nuclei. Interestingly, in specific brain areas only a single RAMP mRNA was often detected, suggesting mutual exclusivity in expression. These data allow predictions to be made of where each RAMP protein may heterodimerize with its partner G-protein-coupled receptor(s) at the cellular level and consequently advance current understanding of cellular sites of action of CGRP, ADM, amylin and CT. Furthermore, these localization data suggest that the RAMP family may associate and modify the behaviour of other, as yet unidentified neurotransmitter receptors.

Comparative analysis of adrenomedullin-like immunoreactivity in the hypothalamus of amphibians

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a novel neuropeptide with special significance in the mammalian hypothalamo-hypophysial axis. By using an antiserum specific for human AM, we have studied the localization of AM-like immunoreactive (AMi) cell bodies and fibers in the hypothalamus and hypophysis of the amphibians Rana perezi (anuran), Pleurodeles waltl (urodele), and Dermophis mexicanus (gymnophionan). Distinct AMi cell groups were found for each species. In the anuran, six cell groups were localized in the preoptic and infundibular regions, whereas only three and one were found in the urodele and gymnophionan, respectively. A comparative analysis of AMi cells and cells expressing arginine vasotocin (AVT), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) revealed strong differences between species. Thus, colocalization of AVT/AM is most likely to occur in the preoptic magnocellular nucleus of urodeles and it is reflected by the intense AM immunoreactivity in the neural lobe of the hypophysis. Colocalization of NPY/AM seems to be possible in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of anurans. In the gymnophionan, cells containing AVT and NPY are distinct from AMi cells. Only in anurans, the ventral aspect of the suprachiasmatic nucleus possesses a small population of AMi cells that express also TH immunoreactivity and most likely also express NPY. The results strongly suggest that AM in amphibians plays an important regulatory role in the hypothalamo-hypophysial system, as has been demonstrated in mammals. On the other hand, substantial differences have been found between species with respect to the degree of colocalization with other chemical substances.

Differential and cell-specific expression of calcitonin receptor-like receptor and receptor activity modifying proteins in the human uterus

The calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) can function as a receptor for either calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or adrenomedullin (AM), depending upon co-expression with members of a novel family of receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMP). RAMP1 presents the CRLR at the cell surface as a CGRP/AM receptor. RAMP2- and RAMP3-transported CRLR receptors act as AM-specific receptors. However, it is still unknown if this signalling system operates in vivo. Of particular interest is the uterus, where both peptides and their binding sites are known to be present and where both mitogenic and vasodilatory responses to AM and CGRP have been demonstrated. In this study, we examined whether CRLR and RAMP are co-expressed in the same populations of cells in human uterine tissue. Analysis by in-situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry revealed a heterogeneous and cell type-specific distribution of components of this AM/CGRP signalling system. Adrenomedullin mRNA was expressed and evenly distributed across all cell types. CRLR mRNA was predominantly found in blood vessels. RAMP1 expression was specific to myometrial myocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells in uterine arteries. RAMP2 and RAMP3 mRNA were not detectable by in-situ hybridization. The pattern of differential and cell-specific expression of CRLR and RAMP suggests the involvement of CRLR/RAMP1 in the processes of vasodilation, smooth muscle relaxation and angiogenesis in response to AM and CGRP in the human uterus, but also indicates that other receptors may be implicated.

Distribution of adrenomedullin-like immunoreactivity in the central nervous system of the frog

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a recently discovered peptide widely distributed in the mammalian brain. By using an antiserum specific for human AM, we have analyzed the localization of AM-like immunoreactivity in the brain and spinal cord of the anuran amphibian Rana perezi. Cell bodies immunoreactive (AMi) for AM were located in the dorsal, lateral and medial pallial regions, diagonal band of Broca, medial septum, and above and rostral to the anterior commissure. A large population of AMi neurons was located in the anterior preoptic area, suprachiasmatic nucleus and in the infundibular hypothalamus. The processes of these latter cells are part of the hypothalamo-hypophysial pathway to the neural and intermediate lobes. Labeled cells were observed in the pretectal region, posterior tubercle and the mesencephalic anteroventral tegmental nucleus. Strikingly, Purkinje cells in the cerebellum also showed AM immunoreactivity, albeit not all of these cells were equally stained. Additional cells were located in the parabrachial region, principal trigeminal sensory nucleus, reticular nuclei medius and inferior, and the intermediolateral gray of the spinal cord. Immunolabeled fibers were widespread throughout the brain and spinal cord of the frog. They were particularly abundant in the medial amygdala, hypothalamus, mesencephalic tectum, periventricular gray and spinal cord. The distribution pattern of AM-like immunoreactivity in the brain of the frog is very selective and does not correspond with the pattern observed for any other transmitter or neuroactive molecule. The wide distribution of this peptide strongly suggests that it may play a significant role in the multiple neuronal functions in the amphibian brain.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor expression in the neurons and glia of developing rat cerebellum: an autoradiographic and immunohistochemical analysis

Quantitative autoradiography (using [125I]human alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide as a ligand) and immunofluorescence (using monoclonal antibodies directed against a purified receptor) followed by confocal analysis were applied to analyse the distribution and cellular localization of the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor in the rat cerebellum during development. From late embryonic days to the end of the second postnatal week, during the time window of calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in climbing fibers, high levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide binding sites were found in the white matter, where immunolabeling was present in oligodendrocytes. Lower levels were found in the cerebellar cortex, where receptor immunolabeling was found in Bergmann glia in a presumptive cell surface location and, during the second postnatal week, also in the cytoplasm of Purkinje cells. From the end of the second postnatal week to adulthood, when calcitonin gene-related peptide is no longer present in climbing fibers, the number of calcitonin gene-related peptide binding sites increased in the molecular layer, where not only Bergmann glia but also Purkinje cell distal dendritic branchlets were immunolabeled in a presumptive cell surface location. Concomitantly, the number of calcitonin gene-related peptide binding sites sharply decreased in the white matter. The developmental expression of the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor and the previously described proliferating/differentiating effects of the peptide on glial cells suggest that calcitonin gene-related peptide and its receptor may promote a coordinated development of cerebellar glial cells, an effect driven mainly by the calcitonin gene-related peptide released by climbing fibers. As a result of glia-neuron interactions, an indirect effect on the differentiation of the cerebellar neuronal circuitry is also likely to occur.

Characterization of a putative calcitonin receptor in IMR 32 human neuroblastoma cells

In this study we characterized calcitonin (CT) receptors in human neuroblastoma IMR 32 cells. Saturation binding assays indicated that [125I]-human CT bound with high affinity to IMR 32 cell membranes (K(d) = 253.6 pM; Bmax = 3.84 fmol/ mg protein). In competition binding studies, human adrenomedullin displayed high affinity for these sites (IC50 = 30 nM) whereas human alpha calcitonin-gene related peptide (alphaCGRP; IC50 = 145 nM) and human amylin (IC50 = 415 nM) showed lower affinity. These peptides increased cAMP levels in viable cells; the relative potencies were: human CT > human adrenomedullin > human cCGRP > or = human amylin. The expression of mRNA coding for the published sequences of the human calcitonin receptor and of the human calcitonin receptor-like receptorwas evaluated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Electrophoretic analysis did not confirm the occurrence of mRNA coding for the above mentioned receptors in these cells. This study suggests the presence of a novel, putative CT receptor in IMR 32 cells.

Comparative affinities of adrenomedullin (AM) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) for [125I] AM and [125I] CGRP specific binding sites in porcine tissues

We have investigated the binding characteristics of rat [125I] adrenomedullin (AM) and human [125I] calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) to membranes prepared from a number of porcine tissues including atrium, ventricle, lung, spleen, liver, renal cortex and medulla. These membranes displayed specific, high affinity binding for [125I] rat AM and [125I] human CGRP. Porcine lung displayed the highest density of binding sites for radiolabeled AM and CGRP followed by porcine renal cortex. Competition experiments performed with [125I] rat AM indicated that the rank order of potencies of various peptides for inhibiting [125I] rat AM binding to various tissues were rat AM > or = human AM > or = human AM(22-52) > h alpha CGRP > or = h alpha CGRP(8-37) >>>> sCT except spleen, atrium, renal cortex and renal medulla where rAM and hAM were 20-300 fold more potent than hAM (22-52). When the same experiments were performed using [125I] h alpha CGRP as the radioligand, the rank order potencies for various peptides were rAM = hAM > h alpha CGRP > h alpha CGRP(8-37) in most of the tissues except in spleen and liver where h alpha CGRP was the most potent ligand. In lung, h alpha CGRP was almost as potent as rAM and hAM in displacing [125I] h alpha CGRP binding. These data suggest the existence of distinct CGRP and AM specific binding sites in contrast to previous reports that showed that both peptides interact differently in rat tissues.

Adrenomedullin promotes epithelial restitution of rat and human gastric mucosa in vitro

We have investigated the effect of adrenomedullin (AM) on restitution of mucosal integrity following damage in rat and human gastric mucosa, measuring the potential difference (PD) on a mucosal strip mounted on an Ussing chamber. Mucosal damage was induced by 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 M NaCl solution, and it caused an immediate and significant decrease in PD. In the rat AM group, PD recovered significantly more than in control group at 120 min after exposure to 0.5 M (p < 0.01) and 1.0 M (p < 0.05) NaCl solution. In the human AM group, PD completely recovered at 120 min after exposure to 0.5 M (p < 0.05) NaCl solution. In rat mucosa damaged by 0.5 M NaCl solution, the effect was inhibited by human (h)-CGRP(8-37) and there was no significant difference between the h-CGRP(8-37) group and control group. On immunohistochemical examination of rat gastric mucosa, AM was detected within the chief cell. AM probably promotes epithelial restitution primarily through the CGRP receptor, but it does not ameliorate more severe damage of gastric mucosa in vitro.

Interaction of amylin with calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors in the microvasculature of the hamster cheek pouch in vivo

1. This study used intravital microscopy to investigate the receptors stimulated by amylin which shares around 50% sequence homology with the vasodilator calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the hamster cheek pouch microvasculature in vivo. 2. Receptor agonists dilated arterioles (diameters 20-40 microm). The -log of the concentrations (+/- s.e.mean; n = 8) causing 50% increase in arteriole diameter were: human betaCGRP (10.8 +/- 0.3), human alphaCGRP (10.8 +/- 0.4), rat alphaCGRP (10.4 +/- 0.3). Rat amylin and the CGRP2 receptor selective agonist [Cys(ACM2,7]-human alphaCGRP were 100 fold less potent (estimates were 8.5 +/- 0.4 and 8.2 +/- 0.3 respectively). 3. The GCRP1 receptor antagonist, CGRP8-37 (300 nmol kg(-1); i.v.) reversibly inhibited the increase in diameter evoked by human alphaCGRP (0.3 nM) from 178 +/- 22% to 59 +/- 12% (n = 8; P < 0.05) and by rat amylin (100 nM) from 138 +/- 23% to 68 +/- 24% (n = 6; P < 0.05). CGRP8-37 did not inhibit vasodilation evoked by substance P (10 nM; n = 4: P > 0.05). 4. The amylin receptor antagonist, amylin8-37 (300 nmol kg(-1); i.v.) did not significantly inhibit the increase in diameter evoked by human alphaCGRP (0.3 nM) which was 112 +/- 26% in the absence, and 90 +/- 29% in the presence of antagonist (n = 4; P < 0.05); nor that evoked by rat amylin (100 nM) which was 146 +/- 23% in the absence and 144 +/- 32% in the presence of antagonist (n = 4; P > 0.05). 5. The agonist profile for vasodilatation and the inhibition of this dilatation by CGRP8-37, although not the amylin8-37 indicates that amylin causes vasodilatation through interaction with CGRP1 receptors in the hamster cheek pouch.

Effect of calcitonin on the activity of ANG II-responsive neurons in the rat subfornical organ

In addition to the well-documented ability of calcitonin to lower blood calcium levels, blood-borne calcitonin may also affect neurons located outside the blood-brain barrier, e.g., in the subfornical organ (SFO), where numerous receptors for this peptide have been described. In an in vitro preparation of the rat SFO, calcitonin activated 61% of 36 neurons, only 1 neuron was inhibited, and the remainder were unresponsive. All but two of the neurons excited by 10(-7) M calcitonin were also stimulated by 10(-7) M ANG II. The threshold concentration for the excitatory effects of calcitonin was 10(-9) M and was thus similar to ANG II. Like ANG II, subcutaneous injection of calcitonin stimulated water intake, although to a lower extent. These results suggest that blood-borne calcitonin could stimulate drinking by its excitatory effect on neurons in the SFO. Calcitonin, which is released during food intake, might be involved in prandial drinking, which is presently considered an acquired behavior.

Separation of cis/trans conformers of human and salmon calcitonin by low temperature capillary electrophoresis

Conformer-specific recognition of peptides and proteins has often been proved with the aid of indirect methods. Here we provide an analytical approach for a direct investigation of separated isomers. Cis/trans conformers of the peptide hormones human (hCT) and salmon (sCT) calcitonin exhibit different migration properties in capillary zone electrophoresis at subambient temperatures. Calcitonin consists of 32 amino acids with two proline residues incorporated. It is the longest unstructured peptide for which a conformer separation by capillary electrophoresis has yet been achieved. Lowering the temperature yielded a splitting into two and three peaks for sCT and hCT, respectively, in acidic buffer. The peak ratios of 66:34 for sCT and 71:23 for hCT are in good agreement with the conformer distribution previously reported from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. The addition of different organic modifiers (5-20% v/v) to the running buffer does not improve the separation. The observed merging of conformer peaks in buffer containing 20% v/v 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) is attributed to structure formation.

Adrenomedullin is a potent stimulator of osteoblastic activity in vitro and in vivo

Adrenomedullin is a 52-amino acid vasodilator peptide produced in many tissues, including bone. It has 20% sequence identity with amylin, a regulator of osteoblast growth, and circulates in picomolar concentrations. The present study assesses whether adrenomedullin also acts on osteoblasts. At concentrations of 10(-12) M and greater, adrenomedullin produced a dose-dependent increase in cell number and [3H]thymidine incorporation in cultures of fetal rat osteoblasts. This effect was also seen with adrenomedullin-(15-52), -(22-52), and -(27-52), but adrenomedullin-(40-52) was inactive. These effects were lost in the presence of amylin blockers, suggesting they were mediated by the amylin receptor. Adrenomedullin also increased [3H]thymidine incorporation into cultured neonatal mouse calvaria but, unlike amylin, did not reduce bone resorption in this model. Adrenomedullin stimulated phenylalanine incorporation into both isolated osteoblasts and calvaria. When injected daily for 5 days over the calvariae of adult mice, it increased indexes of bone formation two- to threefold (P < 0.0001) and increased mineralized bone area by 14% (P = 0.004). It is concluded that adrenomedullin regulates osteoblast function and that it increases bone mass in vivo. The potential of this family of peptides in the therapy of osteoporosis should be further evaluated.

Adrenomedullin-mediated relaxations in veins are endothelium-dependent and distinct from arteries

In arteries, adrenomedullin (ADM) causes relaxations of rings with and without endothelium by stimulating accumulation of cyclic nucleotides resulting from activation of the ADM and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors. Experiments were designed to determine the mechanism(s) of relaxation to ADM in veins. Rings of canine femoral vein with and without endothelium were suspended in organ chambers for measurement of isometric force. Rings were contracted with prostaglandin F2alpha (2 x 10(-6) M), and cumulative dose-responses to ADM (10(-11) to 10(-7) M) were obtained in the absence or presence of indomethacin (10(-5) M), indomethacin + N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (10(-4) M), methylene blue (10(-5) M), particulate guanylate cyclase inhibitor HS-142-1 (10(-5) M), tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10(-2) M), CGRP-receptor antagonist (CGRP 8-37, 10(-6) M), ADM-receptor antagonist (ADM 26-52, 10(-6) M), diphenhydramine (10(-6) M), 8-phenyltheophylline (3 x 10(-6) M), or superoxide dismutase (150 U/ml) plus catalase (1,200 U/ml). ADM produced concentration-dependent relaxations only in veins with endothelium. Relaxations to ADM in rings with endothelium were significantly inhibited only by methylene blue and HS-142-1. In separate experiments, incubation of rings with ADM (10(-8) M) and 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine (10(-4) M) for 3 min did not significantly affect the accumulation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). These data suggest that ADM-mediated relaxation in veins is endothelium dependent and is not associated with activation of CGRP receptors or currently defined ADM receptors. Further, relaxations are not mediated by nitric oxide, indomethacin-sensitive prostanoids, TEA-sensitive hyperpolarizing factors, oxygen free radicals, or accumulation of cyclic nucleotides.

Comparison of the in vitro and in vivo pharmacology of adrenomedullin, calcitonin gene-related peptide and amylin in rats

Adrenomedullin has been reported to be structurally similar to a group of peptides that includes amylin, calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Human and rat adrenomedullin displaced [125I]CGRP from membranes of SK-N-MC cells (CGRP receptors) with affinities intermediate between those of rat amylin and rat CGRP alpha (Ki values 0.12 +/- 0.06, 0.017 +/- 0.007, 3.83 +/- 1.14 and 0.007 +/- 0.001 nM, respectively). In contrast Ki values for displacement of [125I]rat amylin from accumbens membranes (amylin receptors), and [125I]salmon calcitonin from T47D cells (calcitonin receptors) were lower than with rat amylin or rat CGRP alpha in these preparations (51 +/- 5, 34 +/- 2, 0.024 +/- 0.002, 0.31 +/- 0.07 nM, respectively, at amylin receptors; 33 +/- 5, 69 +/- 29, 2.7 +/- 1.5 and 13 +/- 3 nM, respectively, at calcitonin receptors). In anesthetized rats, the hypotensive potency of adrenomedullin was between that of amylin and CGRP alpha. In contrast, for amylin or calcitonin agonist actions (inhibition of [14C]glycogen formation in soleus muscle, hyperlactemia, hypocalcemia and inhibition of gastric emptying), human adrenomedullin was without measurable effect. Thus, in its binding behaviour and in its biological actions, adrenomedullin appeared to behave as a potent CGRP agonist, but as a poor amylin or calcitonin agonist.