A role for the sensory neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide in endothelial cell proliferation in vivo.

Background And Purpose: We have tested the hypothesis that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a mediator of capsaicin-induced angiogenesis in vivo.

Experimental Approach: In a series of experiments, the knee joints of rats were injected with CGRP, capsaicin or vehicle control. Groups of animals (n=6) were treated with the CGRP receptor antagonist BIBN4096BS and/or the NK₁ receptor antagonist SR140333.