Interaction of calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide at receptor sites in target tissues.

Discrete receptor sites for calcitonin (CT) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were found in the nervous system and in peripheral tissues. Each peptide was capable of cross-reacting with the specific receptor of the other. In contrast to CT receptors, CGRP receptors were not linked to adenylate cyclase. However, CGRP could stimulate adenylate cyclase in CT target tissues apparently by interacting with CT receptors. The relative abilities of CGRP and mammalian CT to inhibit CT binding suggest that CGRP could serve as an endogenous ligand for CT receptors in the central nervous system.