The Effects of Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide on the Blood Flow of the Upper Respiratory Tract and the Middle and Inner Ear

Abstract

The effects of intravenously infused CGRP on regional blood flows and vascular resistance in the upper respiratory tract, the middle ear, and the inner ear were studied in cats. CGRP caused a pronounced vasodilation and an increase in blood flow of the respiratory mucosa and structures of the middle ear. The substance did not affect the blood flows of the cochlea and the vestibular organ in the inner ear.

Key Words:

• CGRP
• inner ear
• middle ear
• blood flow
• upper airway mucosa
• microsphere method