Effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide on anastomotic healing in the presence of endotoxin.

Background: Intestinal anastomotic healing is a complex procedure in which several mediators, cytokines and other substances play roles, as well as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP is capable of stimulating DNA synthesis and cell proliferation in endothelial cells by increasing vasodilatation and inflammatory response and promoting epithelial, vascular and mesothelial cell proliferation. This study was undertaken to investigate whether CGRP has a beneficial effect on intestinal anastomotic healing, even in septic conditions.