Sadaya Tsumoto

Depressed Endothelium-Dependent Vesodilator Response in the Hindquarter Resistance Vessels in Heart Failure Dogs

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by the inability of the heart to provide adequate nutrient supply to the metabolically active tisse. Abnormalities in vasomoter tone are well-known in this condition.

Effects of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide on Systemic and Regional Hemodynamics in Dogs with Congestive Heart Failure

Calcitonin gene- related peptide (CGRP) is a novel 37 amino acid peptide that is localized in the nervous, vascular and endocrine systems (1). In the heart and peripheral arteries, specific CGRP binding sites linked to the stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity have also been recognized (2). Probably through the interaction with these receptors CGRP exterts potent cardiovascular effects that include positive chronotropic and inotropic actions on the heart, hypotension, and vasodilation (3). These findings suggest that endogenous CGRP may play a role in the regulation of cardiovascular control. In this study, we investigated the effects of CGRP on systemic and regional hemodynamics in dogs with congestive heart failure, and the effects were compared with those by sodium nitroprusside (SNP).