Calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide enhance calcium-dependent potentials.

Recent data suggests that calcitonin (CT) and/or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) may be potential transmitters or modulators in the nervous system. The present study analyzed the effect of CT and CGRP on the neuronal membranes of cat parasympathetic ganglia of the urinary bladder. The related peptides prolonged the duration of the afterhyperpolarization of the action potential but had no effect on resting potential or input resistance. CT and CGRP enhanced the duration of a calcium spike recorded in the presence of agents blocking Na and K channels while under similar conditions forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, did not affect the calcium spike. These data suggest that the neural mechanism of action of CT and CGRP is to prolong a calcium conductance and that these effects are not mediated through cyclic AMP.