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

Loss of calcitonin gene-related peptide (αCGRP) and use of a vestibular challenge highlight balance deficiencies in aging mice

Aging impacts the vestibular system and contributes to imbalance. In fact, imbalance precedes changes in cognition in the elderly. However, research is limited in assessing aging mouse models that are deficient in crucial neuromodulators like Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP). We studied the loss of CGRP and its effects in the aging mouse, namely its effect on both static and dynamic imbalances. Postural sway and rotarod testing were performed before and after a vestibular challenge (VC) in the 129S wild type and the αCGRP (-/-) null mice. Four age groups were tested that correspond to young adulthood, late adulthood, middle age, and senescence in humans. Our results suggest wild type mice experience a decline in rotarod ability due to aging after they reach their prime performance at 6-10 months of age, while the αCGRP (-/-) null mice perform poorly on rotarod early in life but improve with age as they get older, potentially due to vestibular compensation. Our postural sway study suggests that a vestibular challenge can lead to significantly reduced CoP ellipse areas (freezing behaviors) in older mice, and this change occurs earlier in the αCGRP (-/-) null but requires future studies to evaluate anxiety effects. These results indicate that αCGRP is an important component of proper balance and that the loss of αCGRP can contribute to balance complications that may compound with aging.

Involvement of the cerebellum in migraine

Migraine is a disabling neurological disease characterized by moderate or severe headaches and accompanied by sensory abnormalities, e.g., photophobia, allodynia, and vertigo. It affects approximately 15% of people worldwide. Despite advancements in current migraine therapeutics, mechanisms underlying migraine remain elusive. Within the central nervous system, studies have hinted that the cerebellum may play an important sensory integrative role in migraine. More specifically, the cerebellum has been proposed to modulate pain processing, and imaging studies have revealed cerebellar alterations in migraine patients. This review aims to summarize the clinical and preclinical studies that link the cerebellum to migraine. We will first discuss cerebellar roles in pain modulation, including cerebellar neuronal connections with pain-related brain regions. Next, we will review cerebellar symptoms and cerebellar imaging data in migraine patients. Lastly, we will highlight the possible roles of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in migraine symptoms, including preclinical cerebellar studies in animal models of migraine.

Predisposition to Alcohol Drinking and Alcohol Consumption Alter Expression of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide, Neuropeptide Y, and Microglia in Bed Nucleus of Stria Terminalis in a Subnucleus-Specific Manner

Excessive alcohol consumption is often linked to anxiety states and has a major relay center in the anterior part of bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST). We analyzed the impact of (i) genetic predisposition to high alcohol preference and consumption, and (ii) alcohol intake on anterior BNST, namely anterolateral (AL), anteromedial (AM), and anteroventral (lateral + medial subdivisions: AVl, AVm) subnuclei. We used two rat lines selectively bred for low- and high-alcohol preference and consumption, named Sardinian alcohol-non preferring (sNP) and -preferring (sP), respectively, the latter showing also inherent anxiety-related behaviors. We analyzed the modulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP; exerting anxiogenic effects in BNST), neuropeptide Y (NPY; exerting mainly anxiolytic effects), and microglia activation (neuroinflammation marker, thought to increase anxiety). Calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunofluorescent fibers/terminals did not differ between alcohol-naive sP and sNP rats. Fiber/terminal NPY-immunofluorescent intensity was lower in BNST-AM and BNST-AVm of alcohol-naive sP rats. Activation of microglia (revealed by morphological analysis) was decreased in BNST-AM and increased in BNST-AVm of alcohol-naive sP rats. Prolonged (30 consecutive days), voluntary alcohol intake under the homecage 2-bottle “alcohol vs. water” regimen strongly increased CGRP intensity in BNST of sP rats in a subnucleus-specific manner: in BNST-AL, BNST-AVm, and BNST-AM. CGRP area sum, however, decreased in BNST-AM, without changes in other subnuclei. Alcohol consumption increased NPY expression, in a subnucleus-specific manner, in BNST-AL, BNST-AVl, and BNST-AVm. Alcohol consumption increased many size/shapes parameters in microglial cells, indicative of microglia de-activation. Finally, microglia density was increased in ventral anterior BNST (BNST-AVl, BNST-AVm) by alcohol consumption. In conclusion, genetic predisposition of sP rats to high alcohol intake could be in part mediated by anterior BNST subnuclei showing lower NPY expression and differential microglia activation. Alcohol intake in sP rats produced complex subnucleus-specific changes in BNST, affecting CGRP/NPY expression and microglia and leading to hypothesize that these changes might contribute to the anxiolytic effects of voluntarily consumed alcohol repeatedly observed in sP rats.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide decreases IL-1beta, IL-6 as well as Ym1, Arg1, CD163 expression in a brain tissue context-dependent manner while ameliorating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Activation states of immune cells (among them, the so-called pro- or anti-inflammatory states) influence the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) can exert a pro- or anti-inflammatory role in a context-dependent manner. In mice CGRP was found to attenuate the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE, a common MS animal model). We analyzed CGRP effects on the expression of cytokines and markers of activation states, as well as its intracellular cascade, following intrathecal administration during EAE immunization. Real Time quantitative-PCR (RT-PCR) showed that IL-1beta and IL-6 (associated to a pro-inflammatory state in EAE), but also Ym1 (also known as Chil3), Arg1 and CD163 (associated to an anti-inflammatory state in EAE) were decreased in the encephalon (devoid of cerebellum). In the cerebellum itself, IL-1beta and Ym1 were decreased. TNF-alpha (associated to a pro-inflammatory state in EAE), but also IL-10 (associated to another type of anti-inflammatory state) and BDNF were unchanged in these two regions. No changes were detected in the spinal cord. Additional tendencies toward a change (as revealed by RT-PCR) were again decreases: IL-10 in the encephalon and Arg1 in the spinal cord. CGRP decreased percentage of Ym1⁺/CD68⁺ immunoreactive cells and cell density of infiltrates in the cervical spinal cord pia mater. Instead, Ym1 in the underlying parenchyma and at thoracic and lumbar levels, as well as Arg1, were unchanged. In cultured microglia the neuropeptide decreased Ym1, but not Arg1, immunoreactivity. Inducible NOS (iNOS) was unchanged in spinal cord microglia and astrocytes. The neuropeptide increased the activation of ERK1/2 in the astrocytes of the spinal cord and in culture, but did not influence the activation of ERK1/2 or p38 in the spinal cord microglia. Finally, in areas adjacent to infiltration sites CGRP-treated microglia showed a larger ramification radius. In conclusion, CGRP-induced EAE amelioration was associated to a concomitant, context-dependent decrease in the expression of markers belonging to both pro- or anti-inflammatory activation states of immune cells. It can be hypothesized that CGRP-induced EAE attenuation is obtained through a novel mechanism that promotes down-regulation of immune cell activation that facilitates the establishment of a beneficial environment in EAE provided possibly also by other factors.

Molecular studies of CGRP and the CGRP family of peptides in the central nervous system

BACKGROUND

Calcitonin gene-related peptide is an important target for migraine and other painful neurovascular conditions. Understanding the normal biological functions of calcitonin gene-related peptide is critical to understand the mechanisms of calcitonin gene-related peptide-blocking therapies as well as engineering improvements to these medications. Calcitonin gene-related peptide is closely related to other peptides in the calcitonin gene-related peptide family of peptides, including amylin. Relatedness in peptide sequence and in receptor biology makes it difficult to tease apart the contributions that each peptide and receptor makes to physiological processes and to disorders.

SUMMARY

The focus of this review is the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide, related peptides and their receptors in the central nervous system. Calcitonin gene-related peptide is expressed throughout the nervous system, whereas amylin and adrenomedullin have only limited expression at discrete sites in the brain. The components of two receptors that respond to calcitonin gene-related peptide, the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor (calcitonin receptor-like receptor with receptor activity-modifying protein 1) and the AMY₁ receptor (calcitonin receptor with receptor activity-modifying protein 1), are expressed throughout the nervous system. Understanding expression of the peptides and their receptors lays the foundation for more deeply understanding their physiology, pathophysiology and therapeutic use.

Bergmann Glia, Long-Term Depression, and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Bergmann glia (BG), a specific type of radial astrocytes in the cerebellum, play a variety of vital functions in the development of this structure. However, the possible role of BG in the development of abnormalities observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) seems to be underestimated. One of the most consistent findings observed in ASD patients is loss of Purkinje cells (PCs). Such a defect may be caused by dysregulation of glutamate homeostasis, which is maintained mainly by BG. Moreover, these glial cells are involved in long-term depression (LTD), a form of plasticity which can additionally subserve neuroprotective functions. The aim of presented review is to summarize the current knowledge about interactions which occur between PC and BG, with special emphasis on those which are relevant to the survival and proper functioning of cerebellar neurons.

Cerebellar Adrenomedullinergic System. Role in Cardiovascular Regulation

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a multifunctional peptide which exerts numerous biological activities through the activation of AM1 (CRLR + RAMP2) and AM2 (CRLR + RAMP3) receptors. AM immunoreactivity, AM binding sites and CRLR, RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3 are expressed in rat cerebellar vermis. AM binding sites are discretely and differentially distributed in the rat cerebellar cortex with higher levels detected in SHR when compared with WKY rats. In addition, there is an up-regulation of cerebellar CGRP1 (CRLR + RAMP1) and AM2 (CRLR + RAMP3) receptors and a down-regulation of AM1 (CRLR + RAMP2) receptor during hypertension associated with a decreased AM expression. These changes may constitute a mechanism which contributes to the development of hypertension, and supports the notion that cerebellar AM is involved in the regulation of blood pressure. Cerebellar AM activates ERK, increases cAMP, cGMP and nitric oxide, and decreases antioxidant enzyme activity. These effects are mediated through AM₁ receptor since they are blunted by AM(22-52). AM-stimulated cAMP production is mediated through AM2 and CGRP receptors. In vivo administration of AM into the cerebellar vermis caused a profound, specific and dose-dependent hypotensive effect in SHR, but not in normotensive WKY rats. This effect was mediated through AM1 receptor since it was abolished by AM(22-52). In addition, AM injected into the cerebellar vermis reduced vasopressor response to footshock stress. These findings demonstrate dysregulation of cerebellar AM system during hypertension, and suggest that cerebellar AM plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure. Likewise, they constitute a novel mechanism of blood pressure control which has not been described so far.

Role of cerebellar adrenomedullin in blood pressure regulation

Adrenomedullin (AM) and their receptor components, calcitonin-receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP1, RMP2 and RAMP3) are widely expressed in the central nervous system, including cerebellum. We have shown that AM binding sites are altered in cerebellum during hypertension, suggesting a role for cerebellar adrenomedullinergic system in blood pressure regulation. To further evaluate the role of AM in cerebellum, we assessed the expression of AM, RAMP1, RAMP2, RAMP3 and CRLR in the cerebellar vermis of 8 and 16week old spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. In addition, the effect of microinjection of AM into rat cerebellar vermis on arterial blood pressure (BP) was determined. Animals were sacrificed by decapitation and cerebellar vermis was dissected for quantification of AM, CRLR, RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3 expression using western blot analysis. Another group of male, 16week old SHR and WKY rats was anesthetized, and a cannula was implanted in the cerebellar vermis. Following recovery AM (0.02 to 200pmol/5μL) or vehicle was injected into cerebellar vermis. BP was determined, before and after treatments, by non-invasive plethysmography. In addition, to establish the receptor subtype involved in AM action in vivo, animals received microinjections of AM22-52 (200pmol/5μL), an AM1 receptor antagonist, or the CGRP1 receptor antagonist, CGRP8-37 (200pmol/5μL) into the cerebellar vermis, administered simultaneously with AM or vehicle microinjection. Cannulation was verified post mortem with the in situ injection of a dye solution. Our findings demonstrated that the expression of CRLR, RAMP1 and RAMP3 was higher in cerebellum of SHR rats, while AM and RAMP2 expression was lower than those of WKY rats, both in 8 and 16week old rats. In vivo microinjection of AM into the cerebellar vermis caused a profound, dose dependent, hypotensive effect in SHR but not in normotensive WKY rats. Coinjections of a putative AM receptor antagonist, AM22-52 abolished the decreases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) evoked by AM, showing that AM acts through its AM1 receptor in the vermis to reduce MAP. These findings demonstrate a dysregulation of cerebellar AM-system during hypertension, and suggest that cerebellar AM plays an important role in the regulation of BP. Likewise; they constitute a novel mechanism of BP control which has not been described so far.

Localization of CGRP receptor components, CGRP, and receptor binding sites in human and rhesus cerebellar cortex

The cerebellum is classically considered to be mainly involved in motor processing, but studies have suggested several other functions, including pain processing. Calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide involved in migraine pathology, where there is elevated release of CGRP during migraine attacks and CGRP receptor antagonists have antimigraine efficacy. In the present study, we examined CGRP and CGRP receptor binding sites and protein expression in primate cerebellar cortex. Additionally, mRNA expression of the CGRP receptor components, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), was examined. In addition, expression of procalcitonin was studied. We observed high [(3)H]MK-3207 (CGRP receptor antagonist) binding densities in the molecular layer of rhesus cerebellar cortex; however, due to the limit of resolution of the autoradiographic image the exact cellular localization could not be determined. Similarly, [(125)I]CGRP binding was observed in the molecular layer and Purkinje cell layer of human cerebellum. CLR and RAMP1 mRNA was expressed within the Purkinje cell layer and some expression was found in the molecular layer. Immunofluorescence revealed expression of CGRP, CLR, and RAMP1 in the Purkinje cells and in cells in the molecular layer. Procalcitonin was found in the same localization. Recent research in the biology of cerebellum indicates that it may have a role in nociception. For the first time we have identified CGRP and CGRP receptor binding sites together with CGRP receptor expression through protein and mRNA localization in primate cerebellar cortex. These results point toward a functional role of CGRP in cerebellum. Further efforts are needed to evaluate this.

Monoclonal antibodies for migraine: preventing calcitonin gene-related peptide activity

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a well-studied neuropeptide of relevance for migraine pathophysiology. Jugular levels of CGRP are increased during migraine attacks, and intravenous CGRP administration induces migraine-like headache in most individuals with migraine. Several CGRP receptor antagonists (CGRP-RAs) were shown to be effective for the acute treatment of migraine, validating the target for the treatment of migraine. However, for a number of reasons, including issues of liver toxicity with chronic use, the development of CGRP-RAs has yet to produce a viable clinical therapeutic. Development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the CGRP pathway is an alternative approach that should avoid many of the issues seen with CGRP-RAs. The exquisite target specificity, prolonged half-lives, and reduced potential for hepatotoxicity and drug-drug interactions make mAbs suitable for the preventive treatment of migraine headaches. This manuscript provides an overview of the role of CGRP in the pathophysiology of migraine, followed by a review of the clinical development of CGRP-RAs. Some basic concepts on antibodies are then discussed along with the publicly disclosed information on the development of mAbs targeting the CGRP pathway.

Involvement of calcitonin gene-related peptide and receptor component protein in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) inhibits microglia inflammatory activation in vitro. We here analyzed the involvement of CGRP and Receptor Component Protein (RCP) in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Alpha-CGRP deficiency increased EAE scores which followed the scale alpha-CGRP null>heterozygote>wild type. In wild type mice, CGRP delivery into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 1) reduced chronic EAE (C-EAE) signs, 2) inhibited microglia activation (revealed by quantitative shape analysis), and 3) did not alter GFAP expression, cell density, lymphocyte infiltration, and peripheral lymphocyte production of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-17, IL-2, and IL-4. RCP (probe for receptor involvement) was expressed in white matter microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and vascular-endothelial cells: in EAE, also in infiltrating lymphocytes. In relapsing-remitting EAE (R-EAE) RCP increased during relapse, without correlation with lymphocyte density. RCP nuclear localization (stimulated by CGRP in vitro) was I) increased in microglia and decreased in astrocytes (R-EAE), and II) increased in microglia by CGRP CSF delivery (C-EAE). Calcitonin like receptor was rarely localized in nuclei of control and relapse mice. CGRP increased in motoneurons. In conclusion, CGRP can inhibit microglia activation in vivo in EAE. CGRP and its receptor may represent novel protective factors in EAE, apparently acting through the differential cell-specific intracellular translocation of RCP.

Possible sites of action of the new calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonists

Migraine is considered a neurovascular disease affecting more than 10% of the general population. Currently available drugs for the acute treatment of migraine are vasoconstrictors, which have limitations in their therapeutic use. The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has a key role in migraine, where levels of CGRP are increased during acute migraine attacks. CGRP is expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous system, consistent with control of vasodilatation and transmission of nociceptive information. In migraine, CGRP is released from the trigeminal system. At peripheral synapses CGRP results in vasodilatation via receptors on the smooth muscle cells. At central synapses, CGRP acts postjunctionally on second-order neurons to transmit pain centrally via the brainstem and midbrain to higher cortical pain regions. The recently developed CGRP-receptor antagonists have demonstrated clinical efficacy in the treatment of acute migraine attacks. A remaining question is their site of action. The CGRP-receptor components (calcitonin receptor-like receptor, receptor activity modifying protein 1 and receptor component protein) are found to colocalize in the smooth muscle cells of intracranial arteries and in large-sized neurons in the trigeminal ganglion. The CGRP receptor has also been localized within parts of the brain and the brainstem. The aim of this paper is to review recent localization studies of CGRP and its receptor components within the nervous system and to discuss whether these sites could be possible targets for the CGRP-receptor antagonists.

Cerebellar distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and its receptor components calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) in rat

Clinical and experimental results have revealed a fundamental role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in primary headaches. CGRP is widely expressed in neurons both in the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral sensory nerves. In the CNS there is a wide distribution of CGRP-containing neurons with the highest levels seen in striatum, amygdale and cerebellum. Moreover, in acute attacks of migraine there is evidence of cerebellar activation. To understand the role of CGRP, antibodies towards the CGRP receptor components calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity modifying protein type 1 (RAMP1) have been developed. In the present study we therefore examined immunohistochemically the distribution of CGRP and its receptor components in the cerebellum. CGRP immunoreactivity was only found intracellularly in the cerebellar Purkinje cell bodies, whereas CLR and RAMP1 were detected on the surface of the Purkinje cell bodies and in their processes. The elaborate dendritic tree of Purkinje cell fibers was distinctly visualized with the RAMP1 antibody. In addition, profoundly stained fibers spanning from the molecular layer into the medulla was observed with the RAMP1 antibody. Judged from the high density of immunoreactive cells expressing CGRP, RAMP1 or CLR, and from the double staining of CGRP and RAMP1 it is likely that most, if not all, Purkinje cells express both the peptide and the receptor components. Double staining with RAMP1 and the glial cell markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S-100 revealed an almost identical staining pattern of the antibodies in the area of the cell body surfaces. However, as judged by confocal microscopy, no double staining was present. Instead, it was discovered that the glial cells tightly surrounded the Purkinje cells which easily could be interpreted as co-localization in the epifluorescence microscope. Our observations demonstrate that there is a rich expression of CGRP and CGRP receptor elements in the cerebellum which points towards a functional role of CGRP in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Recent advances in the biology of the cerebellum indicate that there may be a role in nociception; hence a target of the recently discovered CGRP receptor antagonists that have demonstrated improvement in migraine pain and associated symptoms could be cerebellar CGRP receptors.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) stimulates purkinje cell dendrite growth in culture

Previous reports described the transient expression during development of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) in rodent cerebellar climbing fibers and CGRP receptor in astrocytes. Here, mixed cerebellar cultures were used to analyze the effects of CGRP on Purkinje cells growth. Our results show that CGRP stimulated Purkinje cell dendrite growth under cell culture conditions mimicking Purkinje cell development in vivo. The stimulation was not blocked by CGRP8-37, a specific antagonist, suggesting the activation of other related receptors. CGRP did not affect survival of Purkinje cells, granule cells or astrocytes. The selective expression of Receptor Component Protein (RCP) (a component of CGRP receptor family) in astrocytes points to a role of these cells as mediators of CGRP effect. Finally, in pure cerebellar astrocyte cultures CGRP induced a transient morphological differentiation from flat, polygonal to stellate form. It is concluded that CGRP influences Purkinje cell dendrite growth in vitro, most likely through the involvement of astrocytes.

CGRP receptor antagonism and migraine

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, consistent with control of vasodilatation, nociception, motor function, secretion, and olfaction. alphaCGRP is prominently localized in primary spinal afferent C and ADelta fibers of sensory ganglia, and betaCGRP is the main isoform in the enteric nervous system. In the CNS there is a wide distribution of CGRP-containing neurons, with the highest levels occurring in striatum, amygdala, colliculi, and cerebellum. The peripheral projections are involved in neurogenic vasodilatation and inflammation, and central release induces hyperalgesia. CGRP is released from trigeminal nerves in migraine. Trigeminal nerve activation results in antidromic release of CGRP to cause non-endothelium-mediated vasodilatation. At the central synapses in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, CGRP acts postjunctionally on second-order neurons to transmit pain signals centrally via the brainstem and midbrain to the thalamus and higher cortical pain regions. Recently developed CGRP receptor antagonists are effective at aborting acute migraine attacks. They may act both centrally and peripherally to attenuate signaling within the trigeminovascular pathway.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) triggers Ca2+ responses in cultured astrocytes and in Bergmann glial cells from cerebellar slices

The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is transiently expressed in cerebellar climbing fibers during development while its receptor is mainly expressed in astrocytes, in particular Bergmann glial cells. Here, we analyzed the effects of CGRP on astrocytic calcium signaling. Mouse cultured astrocytes from cerebellar or cerebral cortex as well as Bergmann glial cells from acutely isolated cerebellar slices were loaded with the Ca(2+) sensor Fura-2. CGRP triggered transient increases in intracellular Ca(2+) in astrocytes in culture as well as in acute slices. Responses were observed in the concentration range of 1 nm to 1 mm, in both the cell body and its processes. The calcium transients were dependent on release from intracellular stores as they were blocked by thapsigargin but not by the absence of extracellular calcium. In addition, after CGRP application a further delayed transient increase in calcium activity could be observed. Finally, cerebellar astrocytes from neonatal mice expressed receptor component protein, a component of the CGRP receptor, as revealed by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. It is thus proposed that the CGRP-containing afferent fibers in the cerebellum (the climbing fibers) modulate calcium in astrocytes by releasing the neuropeptide during development and hence possibly influence the differentiation of Purkinje cells.

Relaxin-3 in GABA projection neurons of nucleus incertus suggests widespread influence on forebrain circuits via G-protein-coupled receptor-135 in the rat

Relaxin-3 (RLX3) is a newly identified member of the relaxin/insulin peptide family that is highly conserved across a range of species from fish to mammals and is highly expressed in rat, mouse and human brain. Extensive pharmacological studies have demonstrated that RLX3 is a high affinity, selective ligand for G-protein-coupled receptor-135 (GPCR135, now classified as relaxin family peptide-3 receptor; RXFP3). In ongoing studies to understand the physiological functions of RLX3, the distribution of RLX3-containing neuronal elements in rat brain was determined by immunohistochemistry, using an affinity-purified polyclonal antiserum raised against a conserved segment of the RLX3 C-peptide (AS-R3(85-101)). Consistent with the distribution of RLX3 mRNA, neurons containing RLX3-like immunoreactivity (LI) were observed in the pontine nucleus incertus and the majority of these cells, which are known to express corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-1, were shown to express glutamic acid decarboxylase-65-immunoreactivity, suggesting a GABA phenotype. Nerve fibers and terminals containing RLX3-LI were observed adjacent to cells in the nucleus incertus and in various forebrain regions known to receive afferents from the nucleus incertus, including cortex, septum, hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus and midbrain. Regions that contained highest densities of RLX3-positive fibers included the medial septum, lateral preoptic area, lateral hypothalamus/medial forebrain bundle and ventral hippocampus; and additional fibers were observed in olfactory bulb and olfactory and frontal/cingulate cortices, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, dorsal endopiriform, intergeniculate, and supramammillary nuclei, and the periaqueductal gray and dorsal raphe. The RLX3-positive network overlapped the regional distribution of GPCR135 mRNA and specific binding sites for an [125I]-GPCR135-selective, chimeric peptide. These anatomical findings further support the proposition that RLX3 is the endogenous ligand for GPCR135 in rat brain and provide evidence for broad modulatory activity of RLX3 in behavioral activation relating to autonomic and neuroendocrine control of metabolism and reproduction and higher-order processes such as stress and cognition.

Localization of calcitonin receptor-like receptor and receptor activity modifying protein 1 in enteric neurons, dorsal root ganglia, and the spinal cord of the rat

Calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) comprise a receptor for calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and intermedin. Although CGRP is widely expressed in the nervous system, less is known about the localization of CLR and RAMP1. To localize these proteins, we raised antibodies to CLR and RAMP1. Antibodies specifically interacted with CLR and RAMP1 in HEK cells coexpressing rat CLR and RAMP1, determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Fluorescent CGRP specifically bound to the surface of these cells and CGRP, CLR, and RAMP1 internalized into the same endosomes. CLR was prominently localized in nerve fibers of the myenteric and submucosal plexuses, muscularis externa and lamina propria of the gastrointestinal tract, and in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord of rats. CLR was detected at low levels in the soma of enteric, dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and spinal neurons. RAMP1 was also localized to enteric and DRG neurons and the dorsal horn. CLR and RAMP1 were detected in perivascular nerves and arterial smooth muscle. Nerve fibers containing CGRP and intermedin were closely associated with CLR fibers in the gastrointestinal tract and dorsal horn, and CGRP and CLR colocalized in DRG neurons. Thus, CLR and RAMP1 may mediate the effects of CGRP and intermedin in the nervous system. However, mRNA encoding RAMP2 and RAMP3 was also detected in the gastrointestinal tract, DRG, and dorsal horn, suggesting that CLR may associate with other RAMPs in these tissues to form a receptor for additional peptides such as adrenomedullin.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide and its role in migraine pathophysiology

Migraine is a common neurological disorder that is associated with an increase in plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels. CGRP, a neuropeptide released from activated trigeminal sensory nerves, dilates intracranial blood vessels and transmits vascular nociception. Therefore, it is propounded that: (i) CGRP may have an important role in migraine pathophysiology, and (ii) inhibition of trigeminal CGRP release or CGRP-induced cranial vasodilatation may abort migraine. In this regard, triptans ameliorate migraine headache primarily by constricting the dilated cranial blood vessels and by inhibiting the trigeminal CGRP release. In order to explore the potential role of CGRP in migraine pathophysiology, the advent of a selective CGRP receptor antagonist was obligatory. The introduction of di-peptide CGRP receptor antagonists, namely BIBN4096BS (1-piperidinecarboxamide, N-[2-[[5-amino-1-[[4-(4-pyridinyl)-1-piperazinyl]carbonyl] pentyl] amino]-1-[(3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl) methyl]-2-oxoethyl]-4-(1,4-dihydro-2-oxo-3(2H)-quinazolinyl)-, [R-(R*,S*)]-), is a breakthrough in CGRP receptor pharmacology and can be used as a tool to investigate the role of CGRP in migraine headaches. Preclinical investigations in established migraine models that are predictive of antimigraine activity have shown that BIBN4096BS is a potent CGRP receptor antagonist and that it has antimigraine potential. Indeed, a recently published clinical study has reported that BIBN409BS is effective in treating acute migraine attacks without significant side effects. The present review will discuss mainly the potential role of CGRP in the pathophysiology of migraine and the various treatment modalities that are currently available to target this neuropeptide.

Evidence for the existence of a new receptor for CGRP, which is not CRLR

Receptors for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide known to be the most potent vasodilator, are abundantly expressed in cerebellum. A monoclonal antibody to cerebellar CGRP receptors specifically detects a 66 kDa protein from rat cerebellum and other rat and human tissues, but not from SK-N-MC cells which express calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR), a recently described component of CGRP receptors. In contrast, mRNA expression for CRLR was abundant in SK-N-MC cells, but it was undetectable in rat cerebellum. Furthermore, the antibody could not detect any immunoreactive protein in HEK 293 cells transiently transfected with CRLR and receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP(1)) indicating the possible existence of another CGRP receptor, which does not involve CRLR. Due to the absence of biochemical or structural data on the existence of a CGRP(2) receptor and the new data provided in this paper, we suggest to identify the two CGRP receptors as CGRP-A and CGRP-B.

Ultrastructural analysis of climbing fiber-Purkinje cell synaptogenesis in the rat cerebellum

Previous reports have described the transient expression of the neuropeptides calcitonin gene-related peptide and neuropeptide Y in selected subsets of rat olivocerebellar compartments during embryonic and postnatal development. Using these neuropeptides as endogenous markers for olivocerebellar fibers, the aim of this electron microscopic analysis was to reveal the synaptogenetic processes occurring between climbing fibers and their target Purkinje cells, from embryonic day 19 to postnatal day 16, the period during which Purkinje cells undergo intense emission and retraction of dendrites, and climbing fibers translocate their synapses along Purkinje cell membrane surfaces. The present findings provide the first direct evidence that climbing fiber synaptogenesis starts on embryonic day 19 and that these first synapses mainly involve the Purkinje cell embryonic dendrite rather than the Purkinje cell soma. At the same age, the presence of unlabeled synapses resembling calcitonin gene-related peptide-labeled synapses in the Purkinje cell plate makes it possible to conclude that climbing fibers form a major synaptic investment on embryonic Purkinje cells, a finding that strongly supports the hypothesis of an early differentiating role of climbing fibers on cerebellar development. Furthermore, during the period of intense dendritic remodeling of Purkinje cells, 'myelin figures' were often detected in Purkinje cell dendrites suggesting that they may at least in part represent real ultrastructural markers of membrane turnover that identifies the sites where Purkinje cell dendritic rearrangement is taking place. Finally the finding that the climbing fiber terminals apposed to degenerating dendrites did not generally show signs of degeneration leads us to suggests that climbing fiber translocation from a perisomatic to a dendritic location may be driven by the Purkinje cell dendritic remodeling.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide-receptor component protein expression in the uterine cervix, lumbosacral spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia

The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) may play a role in neurogenic inflammation, tissue remodeling of the uterine cervix, promoting vasodilation, parturition, and processing of sensory information in the spinal cord. CGRP-immunoreactive nerves of the cervix and spinal cord have been studied but cellular identification of the CGRP receptor has received little attention. CGRP-receptor component protein (CGRP-RCP) is a small protein associated with the CGRP receptor; thus, immunostaining for the CGRP-RCP can be used to identify sites of the CGRP receptor. We determined sites of CGRP-RCP immunoreactivity relative to the presence of CGRP-ir nerve fibers in the female rat uterine cervix, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia. CGRP-RCP immunoreactivity was expressed in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, venules of the uterine cervix, and perikarya of sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia. CGRP-immunoreactive fibers were adjacent to CGRP-RCP-immunoreactive vessels in the cervix and among CGRP-RCP-immunoreactive structures in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. This suggests CGRP-RCP is associated with structures innervated by CGRP nerves and these interactions may be changed in tissues in response to an appropriate stimulus.