Trypsinization of bovine parathyroid cells abolishes Ca2+-regulated parathyroid hormone secretion

The secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is inversely related to the extracellular Ca2+ concentration (Ca2e+). To test the hypothesis that a Ca2+ sensor on the surface of parathyroid cells is involved in Ca2+-regulated PTH secretion, limited trypsinization of bovine parathyroid cells was carried out. Treatment with trypsin (1.1-10 mg/ml) inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, PTH secretion stimulated by lowering Ca2e+ from 2.0 to 0.5 mmol/l. In control cells, activation of protein kinase C with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) enhanced PTH secretion at 2.0 mmol Ca2e+/l but not at 0.5 mmol Ca2e+/l. In trypsinized cells, however, TPA enhanced PTH secretion at both 0.5 and 2.0 mmol Ca2e+/l. Isoproterenol-stimulated PTH secretion was maintained in trypsinized cells, but reduced cyclic AMP production revealed that some beta-adrenergic receptors were destroyed. The cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration (Ca2i+), as measured with fura-2, was raised within seconds in response to increasing Ca2e+ from 0.5 to 2.0 mmol/l and was then lowered within 1 min to a sustained plateau; the changes were the same in trypsinized and control cells. In conclusion, trypsinization of parathyroid cells abolished Ca2+-regulated PTH secretion without affecting Ca2i+.

Light- and electron-microscopical localization of calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, somatostatin and C-terminal gastrin/cholecystokinin immunoreactivities in rat thyroid

Parafollicular C cells of the rat thyroid contain several immunoreactive peptides including calcitonin (CT), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), somatostatin and a C-terminal gastrin/CCK immunoreactive epitope as shown at the light- and electron-microscopical levels. Adult thyroid C cells are strongly immunoreactive to CT and most of the cells also react strongly with CGRP antisera and weakly with a gastrin/CCK antiserum. The latter antiserum may cross-react with CGRP. This cross-reactivity probably only occurs at very high concentrations of CGRP observed in adult thyroid C cells, but not in intrathyroidal CGRP-containing nerves, nor in early neonatal C cells. In neonatal rats, somatostatin immunoreactive C cells are numerous and most of these cells are also CT and CGRP immunoreactive. In contrast, only few C cells display somatostatin immunoreactivity in adult rat thyroids. Sequential staining experiments revealed that some thyroidal C cells simultaneously express all four types of immunoreactivity. At the electron microscopical level, all of these immunoreactivities were observed in secretory granules of C cells. Double- and triple-staining experiments, moreover, documented that some peptides are co-localized in the same granules.

Immunohistochemical and behavioral analysis of spinal lesions induced by a substance P antagonist and protection by thyrotropin releasing hormone

Using behavioural, morphological and immunohistochemical analysis, the effect of intrathecal administration of a substance P antagonist, Spantide [D-Arg1, D-Trp7,9, Leu11)-SP), was studied. Antisera raised against markers for motoneurons, local spinal neurons, descending bulbospinal systems and primary afferents were used. The effect of some drugs, including thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), on Spantide-induced effects were also analyzed. After injection of 2 micrograms of Spantide at the lumbar level, a marked necrosis of the spinal cord was observed extending for about 5-6 segments, affecting mostly the ventral horns. Thus, calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP)-like immunoreactivity (LI) in motoneurons completely disappeared and no motoneurons could be seen in cresyl violet-stained sections. The first changes were observed 6 h after Spantide injection and at 24 h a complete necrosis was seen. Marked reductions in the number of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)- and substance P-positive fibers were also observed. The effects were less dramatic in the dorsal horns, but at the site of maximal effects there was a disturbance also of CGRP-, substance P-, and neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY)-positive fibers in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn. These effects could be completely counteracted by multiple intravenous injections of TRH as well as with 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeDMT), a 5-HT agonist. The behavioural analysis showed parallel changes, with permanent motor impairment after Spantide-treatment and complete absence of these symptoms when TRH or 5-MeDMT was given in addition. Finally, the effect of Spantide on 5-HT, noradrenaline, substance P and CGRP levels was measured biochemically. The present results are discussed in the light of recent findings that Spantide can cause a dramatic reduction in spinal blood flow.

Effects of hCGRP I and II on gastric blood flow and acid secretion in anesthetized rabbits

Effects of intravenously administered human calcitonin gene-related peptides (hCGRP) I and II on regional blood flow and gastric acid secretion were examined in barbiturate-anesthetized rabbits. Blood flow was measured by injection of radioactively labeled microspheres at 0, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min. hCGRP I and II and vehicle were infused intravenously in five rabbits in rising doses of 0.01 (0-10th min), 0.03 (11-20th min), and 0.1 microgram.kg-1.min-1 (21-30th min). hCGRP I and II increased gastric blood flow dose dependently. Moreover, hCGRP I raised regional conductance (inverse of vascular resistance) in the stomach, duodenum, heart, brain, and skeletal muscle. As a result of the increased total peripheral conductance the mean arterial pressure was reduced, but the cardiac output remained unchanged. hCGRP II increased blood flow and conductance selectively in the stomach and the pancreas. The total peripheral conductance and mean arterial pressure remained unchanged. Apparently, hCGRP II exerts a more localized effect on the stomach than hCGRP I. hCGRP I and II did not affect basal gastric acid secretion. Pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion was increased by 28% with hCGRP I (0.025 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) and decreased by 27% with hCGRP II (0.025 micrograms.kg-1.min-1). The inverse effect of hCGRP I and II and the parallel stimulation of blood flow brought about with hCGRP I and II indicate a different mode of action of the peptides on gastric blood flow and gastric acid secretion.

The metatarsal cytochemical bioassay of parathyroid hormone: validation, specificity, and application to the study of pseudohypoparathyroidism type I

The most sensitive method for assaying the bioactivity of PTH in unextracted plasma is the renal cytochemical bioassay. However, PTH acts on bone as well as kidney and clinical studies have suggested that the actions of circulating PTH level may be different at the two sites. We developed cytochemical bioassay for PTH based on the stimulation of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in the hypertrophic chondrocytes of the growth plate and the osteoblasts lining the metaphyseal trabeculae of rat metatarsal bones. The index of precision was 0.14 +/- 0.02 (SE) and the interassay variation was 31%. With this assay, plasma bioactive PTH levels in normal subjects and patients with primary hyperparathyroidism ranged from 0.5-18 ng/L and from 27-850 ng/L, respectively. Studies of patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism type I indicated that plasma PTH bioactivity in such patients is greater in the metatarsal bioassay than in the renal bioassay; no such differences were found in normal subjects or patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Isolation and NH2-terminal amino acid sequences of rat serum carrier proteins for insulin-like growth factors

Three N-glycosylated carrier proteins (CP) for insulin-like growth factors (apparent molecular weights 30-32, 42 and 45 kDa) were isolated from adult rat serum. They share the same amino terminus (up to amino acid 31) and are constituents of the growth hormone-dependent native 150-200 kDa IGF carrier complex. Residues 12-31 display 60 and 50% sequence homology, respectively, to residues 2-21 of fetal rat and to residues 4-22 of a human amniotic fluid IGF carrier protein. No homology exists with the type I or II IGF receptors. Adult rat serum also contains a fourth IGF CP (24 kDa) whose 9 NH2-terminal amino acids are identical to those of the fetal form. Our findings suggest that the three N-glycosylated components originate from the same IGF carrier protein (adult form) and that the 24 kDa protein is a separate (fetal) species.

Inhibition of parathyroid hormone bioactivity by human parathyroid hormone (PTH)-(3-84) and PTH-(8-84) synthesized in Escherichia coli

Human PTH (hPTH)-(3-84) and hPTH-(8-84) were synthesized in Escherichia (E.) coli when the cells were transformed with a multicopy plasmid in which the transcription of human preproPTH cDNA is directed by the E. coli lac promoter. PTH fragments were extracted from cells and purified by reverse phase HPLC. PTH bioactivity and PTH antagonist activity were estimated in a renal cytochemical bioassay. hPTH-(3-84) and hPTH-(8-84) exhibited less than 1% and less than 0.1%, respectively, of the biological activity of synthetic hPTH-(1-84). hPTH-(8-84) had 1% of the PTH inhibitory activity of synthetic [Nle8,18,Tyr34]bovine PTH-(3-34)amide, whereas hPTH-(3-84) was 100 times more active as a PTH inhibitor than the synthetic bovine PTH-(3-34) analog. The latter has so far been recognized as the most potent PTH antagonist in vitro. A 5-fold molar excess of hPTH-(3-84) over hPTH-(1-84) completely blocked the biological action of intact hPTH-(1-84) in the renal cytochemical bioassay. These findings suggest that the carboxyl-terminal portion of the intact hPTH-(1-84) molecule contributes importantly to inhibitor potency.

Calcitonin gene-related peptides I and II and calcitonin: distinct effects on gastric acid secretion in humans

The human calcitonin gene-related peptides I and II (CGRP I and CGRP II) are two neuropeptides that have been recognized throughout the gastrointestinal system including the stomach. The present study was undertaken to compare in healthy volunteers the effects of intravenous infusions of CGRP I and CGRP II (79 pmol/kg.h) on pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion to those of calcitonin (88 pmol/kg.h). Calcitonin gene-related peptide I did not inhibit basal or pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion. However, CGRP II and calcitonin inhibited pentagastrin-stimulated acid responses by 20% and 28%, respectively (p less than 0.05 and p less than 0.01), whereas basal acid output was only reduced with calcitonin (p less than 0.05). These effects were recognized with low doses of pentagastrin, and absent with high doses suggesting competitive inhibition. Furthermore, step-doses of CGRP I and CGRP II (79-320 pmol/kg.h) were given intravenously on continuous pentagastrin stimulation and compared with calcitonin (88-352 pmol/kg.h). Calcitonin gene-related peptide II and calcitonin induced a dose-dependent decrease of acid output, whereas CGRP I was ineffective. The inhibitory effects of CGRP II and calcitonin are not due to increased gastric alkaline secretion or to somatostatin release, as neither peptide stimulated gastric bicarbonate secretion or induced an increase in circulating somatostatin. In conclusion, CGRP II, unlike CGRP I, inhibits gastric acid secretion in humans. Inhibitory effects of CGRP II and of calcitonin were comparable. The results imply that CGRP I and II, at the level of the stomach, have distinct biological properties in humans.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide and calcitonin secretion from a human medullary thyroid carcinoma cell line: effects of ionomycin, phorbol ester and forskolin

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and calcitonin are secreted together from medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) cells. Interactions of cytosolic free calcium concentration (Cai2+) and the protein kinase C and A pathways on the secretion of immunoreactive CGRP and calcitonin have been investigated in a human MTC cell line. Ionomycin (10 mumol/l) raised the concentration of Cai2+, concomitant with a transient stimulation of the secretion of CGRP and calcitonin. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA; 16 nmol/l) did not affect the concentration of Cai2+, but caused a gradual rise of the secretion of CGRP and calcitonin. Combined addition of 10 mumol ionomycin/l and 16 nmol TPA/l resulted in additive stimulation of CGRP and calcitonin secretory responses. Forskolin (10 mumol/l) alone did not change the concentration of Cai2+, marginally enhanced (P greater than 0.1) the release of CGRP and calcitonin and increased by 23-fold the cellular levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP). Ionomycin and TPA did not change cellular cAMP. Forskolin synergistically enhanced (P less than 0.01) the ionomycin-induced early phase as well as the TPA-induced late phase of the CGRP and calcitonin secretory responses. In conclusion, increased concentrations of Cai2+ together with protein kinase C and A activation mediate the secretion of CGRP and calcitonin in MTC cells.

Formation of neutralizing antibodies during intranasal synthetic salmon calcitonin treatment of Paget's disease

Nine patients with Paget's disease were treated with 200 U (15 nmol) synthetic salmon calcitonin (sCT) intranasally (in)/day for 12 months. Five of them had received im or in sCT therapy for 1-4 yr up to 0.5-5 yr before this study. Low titer antibodies to sCT were detected in the serum of three of these five patients, but not in the four patients who had not received prior sCT therapy. After 2 months of in sCT administration, four of the former group, but none of the latter group, had antibodies to sCT. After 12 months of treatment, antibodies to sCT were found in all patients who had received sCT earlier and in three of the four patients who had not. The half-maximal inhibition of [125I]sCT binding ranged from 44-284 pmol/L sCT. In a cultured human breast cancer cell line (T47D) cAMP production was stimulated by sCT (EC50, 70 pmol/L). cAMP production stimulated by sCT (5 pmol/L) was reduced to 6-20% of the control value in the presence of serum from patients which inhibited [125I]sCT binding by more than 50% in a dilution of 1:50 or greater. In patients with lower titer antibodies cAMP production was not inhibited. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity was transiently lowered to 79 +/- 6% (+/- SE) of basal levels in the patients who had earlier received sCT (P greater than 0.1), while sustained reduction to between 66 +/- 2% and 84 +/- 6% of basal levels (P less than 0.05) occurred in the patients who had not been treated with sCT previously. In conclusion, reexposure to sCT of five patients with Paget's disease caused secondary antibody responses and clinical resistance.

Regulation of hormone secretion and cytosolic Ca2+ by extracellular Ca2+ in parathyroid cells and C-cells: role of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels

The two dihydropyridine enantiomers, (+)202-791 and (-)202-791, that act as voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel agonist and antagonist, respectively, were examined for effects on cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and on hormones secretion in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells and a rat medullary thyroid carcinoma (rMTC) cell line. In both cell types, small increases in the concentration of extracellular Ca2+ evoked transient followed by sustained increases in [Ca2+]i, as measured with fura-2. Increases in [Ca2+]i obtained by raised extracellular Ca2+ were associated with a stimulation of secretion of calcitonin (CT) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in rMTC cells, but an inhibition of secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in parathyroid cells. The Ca2+ channel agonist (+)202-791 stimulated whereas the antagonist (-)202-791 inhibited both transient and sustained increases in [Ca2+]i induced by extracellular Ca2+ in rMTC cells. Secretion of CT and CGRP was correspondingly enhanced and depressed by (+)202-791 and (-)202-791, respectively. In contrast, neither the agonist nor the antagonist affected [Ca2+]i and PTH secretion in parathyroid cells. Depolarizing concentrations of extracellular K+ increased [Ca2+]i and hormone secretion in rMTC cells and both these responses were potentiated or inhibited by the Ca2+ channel agonist or antagonist, respectively. The results suggest a major role of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ influx in the regulation of cytosolic Ca2+ and hormones secretion in rMTC cells. Parathyroid cells, on the other hand, appear to lack voltage-sensitive Ca2+ influx pathways and regulate PTH secretion by some alternative mechanism.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide is a stimulator of renin secretion

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was found to stimulate renin secretion in vivo in normal human volunteers. Moreover, CGRP stimulated the release of renin in vitro from isolated rat renal juxtaglomerular cells (half-maximal effective concentration [EC50] 100 nM) concomitant with stimulation of cAMP production (EC50 60 nM). Immunoreactive CGRP was recognized in rat renal cortical nerve fibers, and intact rat CGRP was identified in extracts of the rat renal cortex. Because CGRP containing sensory nerve fibers are seen in the region of the juxtaglomerular apparatus, it would seem that the release of CGRP from these afferent nerves may be involved in the physiological control of renin secretion.

Drosophila Adh: a promoter element expands the tissue specificity of an enhancer

Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) genes are expressed in the fat body and in species-specific sets of other tissues during larval and adult development. The Drosophila mulleri Adh-1 gene is expressed in the larval fat body and in three other larval tissues. In this paper, we show that Adh-1 expression in multiple cell types is the result of synergistic interactions between fat body-specific enhancers and a specific Adh-1 promoter element.

GAL4 activates transcription in Drosophila

GAL4 is a yeast regulatory protein that binds to specific sites within a DNA sequence called UASG (galactose upstream activating sequence) and activates transcription of linked genes. This activation requires two functions of the protein: a DNA binding domain located near the amino terminus, and one or more 'activating regions'. The 'activating regions' are highly acidic (see also ref. 12) and can be replaced, for example, by a short peptide designed to form a negatively charged, amphipathic alpha-helix. GAL4, as well as deletion derivatives bearing one or more 'activating regions' attached to the DNA binding domain, activates transcription in cultured mammalian cells from mammalian promoters linked to a UASG (refs 14, 15). Here we show that GAL4, when expressed in particular tissues of Drosophila larvae, stimulates tissue-specific transcription of a Drosophila promoter linked to GAL4 binding sites.

Identification of a receptor for calcitonin gene-related peptides I and II in human cerebellum

Receptor proteins for human calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) have been demonstrated in the human cerebellum. Membrane homogenates were incubated with [125I] iodo CGRP-I and -II ([125I]CGRP). The bound radioligands were cross-linked to membrane proteins. Solubilized membrane proteins were separated by gel-electrophoresis. Autoradiography of the gels revealed specifically labeled ligand-protein complexes of Mr 17,500 and 54,000 for human CGRP-I and -II. Specific binding of [125I]CGRP-I and -II was only minimally affected by up to 0.5 microM salmon and human calcitonin. The affinity and specificity of CGRP-I and -II binding were the same in crude homogenates and in the purified binding proteins. In conclusion, indistinguishable binding proteins for [125I]CGRP-I and -II of 13,700 and 50,000 Da have been identified in the human cerebellum.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide and the lung: neuronal coexistence with substance P, release by capsaicin and vasodilatory effect

The occurrence and distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the lower airways was studied by means of immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay (RIA) in combination with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). CGRP-like immunoreactivity (-LI) was observed in nerves from the epiglottis down to peripheral bronchi in rat, cat and guinea pig and also in human bronchi. Double staining revealed colocalization of CGRP-LI and substance P (SP)-LI in cell bodies of nodose and jugular ganglia as well as in axons and nerve terminals of the airways. Systemic capsaicin pretreatment induced a marked loss of the CGRP- and SP-immunoreactive (-IR) nerves in the lower airways. CGRP-IR was also present in epithelial endocrine cells and neuroepithelial bodies. The content of CGRP-LI as measured with RIA in guinea pig bronchi was significantly lower after capsaicin pretreatment. Analysis of human bronchial extracts revealed that CGRP-LI coeluted with synthetic human CGRP on HPLC. In the isolated perfused guinea pig lung capsaicin exposure caused overflow of CGRP-LI suggesting release from peripheral branches of sensory nerves. Both in vivo experiments in the guinea pig measuring insufflation pressure as well as in vitro studies on isolated guinea pig and human bronchi showed that whereas tachykinins contracted bronchial smooth muscle no contractile or relaxing effect was elicited by human or rat CGRP. However, CGRP caused relaxation of serotonin precontracted guinea pig and human pulmonary arteries. In conclusion, the presence and release of CGRP-LI from capsaicin sensitive nerves in the lower airways adds another possible mediator, in addition to tachykinins, of vascular reactions upon sensory nerve irritation.

Effect of calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide on pancreatic functions in man

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has recently been identified in central and peripheral nerve fibres, including those of blood vessels supplying the exocrine pancreas, and in pancreatic islet cells. Moreover, receptors have been characterised in the same tissue. The present study examined the effects of human CGRP and of calcitonin on exocrine pancreatic secretion and on islet cell function in nine healthy volunteers. CGRP (300 ng/kg/h) caused, respectively, a 25% and 31% inhibition of caerulein stimulated trypsin and amylase output which was similar to that seen with calcitonin (300 ng/kg/h). Arginine stimulated insulin and glucagon release was unaffected by either CGRP, or calcitonin. Calcitonin gene-related peptide caused cutaneous flushing, but did not affect the pulse rate or arterial blood pressure in the doses tested. Calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibits exocrine pancreatic secretion in vivo in man, but does not affect islet cell hormone release.

Role of cytosolic free calcium concentration in the secretion of calcitonin gene-related peptide and calcitonin from medullary thyroid carcinoma cells

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and calcitonin (CT) are secreted by medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Relationships between extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]e), cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) (as measured with fura-2), and secretion of immunoreactive CGRP and CT have been investigated in rat and human MTC cell lines. Rat MTC 6-23 cells responded to a rise in [Ca2+]e from 0.5 to 3.0 mM with a transient increase of [Ca2+]i, and the secretion of CGRP and CT was raised from 19 +/- 2 (mean +/- SE) to 122 +/- 28 pg rat CGRP/mg protein . min and from 33 +/- 8 to 155 +/- 42 pg rat CT/mg protein . min (P less than 0.01). In the human MTC (TT) cell line, a rise of [Ca2+]e from 0.5 to 3.0 mM did not affect [Ca2+]i, and the secretion of CGRP and CT remained unchanged at 7.0 +/- 1.1 ng CGRP/mg protein . min and 1.0 +/- 0.1 ng CT/mg protein . min. However, when the plasma membrane was bypassed by electropermeabilization, the release of CGRP and CT was stimulated by calcium with an ED50 of 0.5 microM and 0.3 microM, respectively. With ionomycin, the secretion of CGRP and CT was also stimulated up to 17-fold in [Ca2+]i-dependent manner. The results indicate a role of [Ca2+]i in the secretion of CGRP and CT and provide evidence for a defect in Ca2+ signal transduction in the human MTC cell line.

Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide: immunohistochemical localisation and microvascular effects in rabbit skeletal muscle

1. The distribution and microvascular effects of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were studied in the rabbit tenuissimus muscle using immunohistochemistry and intravital microscopy. 2. Individual fibers within nerve bundles and along blood vessels in the muscle were found to be immunoreactive (IR) for both SP and CGRP, thus showing an apparently complete coexistence for these peptides. In dorsal root ganglia most SP-positive cells were also CGRP-IR, but the latter cells were somewhat more numerous than SP-IR cells. 3. When applied topically to the muscle, both SP and CGRP increased blood flow in a dose-dependent manner, but CGRP was more potent and caused responses of longer duration. Both SP and CGRP dilated transverse arterioles, but they had little or no effect on the smaller terminal arterioles. This resulted in a redistribution of blood flow to the connective tissue adjacent to the muscle. 4. SP, but not CGRP, elicited vigorous vasomotion in larger arterioles and caused the formation of aggregates of platelets and leukocytes in the venules. Neither flow increase, nor vasomotion or aggregate formation were influenced by pretreatment of the animals with mepyramine, cimetidine or indomethacin. Capsaicin (1 microM) had a powerful effect on transverse arterioles resembling that of both SP and CGRP. 5. It is concluded that some of the vascular effects hitherto ascribed to SP on the basis of nerve stimulation and application of capsaicin might, at least in part, be due to release of CGRP.

Regulation of inducible and tissue-specific gene expression

Molecular genetics approaches have been used to identify and characterize cis-acting DNA sequences required for eukaryotic gene regulation. These sequences are modular in nature, consisting of arrays of short (10- to 12-base pair) recognition elements that interact with specific transcription factors. Some transcription factors have been extensively purified and the corresponding genes have been cloned, but the mechanisms by which they promote transcription are not yet understood. Positive and negative regulatory elements that function only in specific cell types or in response to extracellular inducers have been identified. A number of cases of inducible and tissue-specific gene expression involve the activation of preexisting transcription factors, rather than the synthesis of new proteins. This activation may involve covalent modification of the protein or an allosteric change in its structure. The modification of regulatory proteins may play a central role in the mechanisms of eukaryotic gene regulation.

Comparison of binding sites for the calcitonin gene-related peptides I and II in man

Specific and saturable binding sites of the synthetic human calcitonin gene-related peptide-I (CGRP-I) and -II (CGRP-II) have been identified in membrane homogenates of the human central nervous system, heart and spleen. Half maximal inhibition of the binding of 125I-CGRP-II was achieved with 0.25 nM and 1.7 nM of non-radioactive CGRP-I or -II, and with 260 and 850 nM salmon calcitonin in the spinal cord and cerebellum, respectively, but 1 microM human calcitonin was not recognized. Autoradiographs of diencephalic sections revealed different distribution of 125I-CGRP-I and -II binding sites.