Calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibits angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction in human radial arteries: Role of the Kir channel

Abstract

Objective: The radial artery is increasingly used for coronary artery bypass grafts, but its potential for spasm increases postoperative risk. Alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide is a potent antihypertensive peptide. Thus, we set out to determine whether calcitonin gene-related peptide can impair angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction in human radial arteries and, if so, to determine its mechanism of action. Methods: Radial arteries were placed in organ bath chambers and preincubated with 10-9 to 10-7 mol/L alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide for 20 minutes before initiating an angiotensin II dose response curve (10-10-10-6 mol/L). Results: Calcitonin gene-related peptide, 10-7, 10-8, ..