The Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide Family

In 1925, J. B. Collip (1925) reported that extracts of parathyroid gland contained an activity that raised calcium levels in the blood of parathyroidectomized animals, and suggested that this was due to a hormone produced in the parathyroid gland. The story of parathyroid hormone discovery was indicative of ever-increasing sophistication in sample preparation and protein isolation techniques. This paper resolved earlier controversies over the function of the parathyroid glands and c- trol of blood calcium. The year 1961 was a banner year for parathyroid research, in which the peptides parathyroid hormone and calcitonin were purified, and in which it was suggested that calcitonin could lower blood calcium (Copp and Cameron 1961). In 1982 it was discovered that in neurons the primary RNA transcript for calcitonin could be alternatively-spliced to give calcitonin gene-reated peptide (CGRP), and shortly thereafter amylin (previously named islet amyloid polyp- tide, IAPP) was identified and shown to have homology to CGRP. Since then a and b CGRP have been delineated and adrenomedullin and intermedin discovered, and this family of homologous peptides has emerged. This family of peptide hormones has a diverse and constantly expanding range of important physiologic functions, including regulation of blood calcium, vascular tension, feeding behavior and pain recognition.

This book is based on presentations given at CGRP '98, the Third International Meeting on CGRP and related peptides held in the UK in May 1998. The principal speakers have each contributed a chapter and many of the short and poster communications will also be found here. This book follows from the tradition set by the First and Second Meetings in 1

In 1925, J. B. Collip (1925) reported that extracts of parathyroid gland contained an activity that raised calcium levels in the blood of parathyroidectomized animals, and suggested that this was due to a hormone produced in the parathyroid gland. The story of parathyroid hormone discovery was indicative of ever-increasing sophistication in sample preparation and protein isolation techniques. This paper resolved earlier controversies over the function of the parathyroid glands and c- trol of blood calcium. The year 1961 was a banner year for parathyroid research, in which the peptides parathyroid hormone and calcitonin were purified, and in which it was suggested that calcitonin could lower blood calcium (Copp and Cameron 1961). In 1982 it was discovered that in neurons the primary RNA transcript for calcitonin could be alternatively-spliced to give calcitonin gene-reated peptide (CGRP), and shortly thereafter amylin (previously named islet amyloid polyp- tide, IAPP) was identified and shown to have homology to CGRP. Since then a and b CGRP have been delineated and adrenomedullin and intermedin discovered, and this family of homologous peptides has emerged. This family of peptide hormones has a diverse and constantly expanding range of important physiologic functions, including regulation of blood calcium, vascular tension, feeding behavior and pain recognition.

Adrenomedullin is a recently discovered peptide hormone which involved in many physiological and pathological processes. This book reviews all the information available on this intriguing molecule, covering topics as diverse as blood pressure regulation, growth of tumours and normal cells, the central nervous system, and comparative studies from sharks to mammals. An international group of experts has contributed to this volume which will be of interest to professionals, researchers, and those who will benefit from a broad review of the literature and the main trends in adrenomedullin research.

Peptides play a crucial role in many physiological processes including actions as neurotransmitters, hormones, and antibiotics. Research has shown their importance in such fields as neuroscience, immunology, pharmacology, and cell biology. The Handbook of Biologically Active Peptides presents, for the first time, this tremendous body of knowledge in the field of biologically active peptides in one single reference. The section editors and contributors represent some of the most sophisticated and distinguished scientists working in basic sciences and clinical medicine. The Handbook of Biologically Active Peptides is a definitive, all-encompassing reference that will be indispensable for individuals ranging from peptide researchers, to biochemists, cell and molecular biologists, neuroscientists, pharmacologists, and to endocrinologists. Chapters are designed to be a source for workers in the field and will enable researchers working in a specific area to examine other related areas with which they would not ordinarily be familiar. *Chapters are designed to be a source for workers in the field and will enable researchers working in a specific area to examine other related areas that they would not ordinarily be familiar. *Fascinating relationships described in the book include the presence of some peptides originally found in frog skin that persist in the human human and brain where they can affect food intake and obesity.

Intended to promote a more appropriate and modern therapeutic approach to migraine management, this book is the first to deal with monoclonal antibodies in this context. Authored by the most respected migraine experts from around the globe and drawing on the lessons learned in both clinical trials and clinical practice, it reviews the current state of knowledge on this important therapeutic innovation, which has produced impressive data in randomized controlled trials, and the efficacy and safety of which have been confirmed in day-to-day real-world use. Given its scope, the book will appeal to a broad range of specialists, including pharmacologists, clinical pharmacologists, neurologists and internists, but also to residents and medical students.