In our previous studies we have demonstrated the presence of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) immunoreactivity in nerve fibers in the rat pancreas innervating the acini, ducti, blood vessels and islets of Langerhans as well as in a cell population within the endocrine pancreas. CGRP is a biologically active peptide, being the most powerful vasoactive substance described to date and exerting potent effects on the digestive tract, influencing gastric and pancreatic secretions and food intake. The biological effects of CGRP and its dual localization to both neuronal pancreatic fibers and endocrine-like/paracrine-like cells within the endocrine pancreas strongly suggest that CGRP may play an important role in the pancreas, perhaps acting via both a neurocrine and endocrine or paracrine mechanism. The objective is to investigate CGRP expression and receptor (binding) sites distribution as well as its relationship with other peptides and peptide-hormones in the pancreas, to define CGRP role(s) and assess its site(s) and possible mechanism(s) of action in this viscerum.
The specific aims are: 1) define the morphological organization of CGRP immunoreactivity within the pancreas in relation to other peptidergic systems and defined pancreatic structures; 2) analyze its receptor (binding) site distribution and density, 3) determine the identity and site of biosynthesis of this peptide; 4) examine the ontogeny of CGRP expression. The long term goal Is to define the interaction of this peptide with the endocrine and exocrine components of the pancreas in order to better understand the complex neural and hormonal regulation of pancreatic functions and to gain insight in the pathogenesis of pancreatic diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DK038752-03
Application #
3238219
Study Section
Endocrinology Study Section (END)
Project Start
1987-06-15
Project End
1992-05-31
Budget Start
1989-06-01
Budget End
1990-05-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1989
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
119132785
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095
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Sternini, C; De Giorgio, R; Brunicardi, F C et al. (1992) CGRP immunoreactivity in the mammalian pancreas. Ann N Y Acad Sci 657:487-90
De Giorgio, R; Sternini, C; Brecha, N C et al. (1992) Patterns of innervation of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, neuropeptide Y, and gastrin-releasing peptide immunoreactive nerves in the feline pancreas. Pancreas 7:376-84
Sternini, C; De Giorgio, R; Anderson, K et al. (1992) Species differences in the immunoreactive patterns of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the pancreas. Cell Tissue Res 269:447-58
Sternini, C; De Giorgio, R; Furness, J B (1992) Calcitonin gene-related peptide neurons innervating the canine digestive system. Regul Pept 42:15-26

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