Immunohistochemical detection of the calcitonin receptor-like receptor protein in the microvasculature of rat endothelium

Calcitonin-gene-related peptide and adrenomedullin have similar and potent vascular effects, which appear to be mediated by the G protein-coupled calcitonin receptor-like (CRL) receptor. Using immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses, we have obtained novel evidence that CRL receptor is expressed in the rat vascular endothelium using an antibody to rat CRL receptor that we have raised and fully characterised. These results are an important basis for further studies aimed at determining the so far ill-defined functional significance of the extensive distribution of CRL receptor in the vascular endothelium. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.