Peripheral nerve section induces increased levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-like immunoreactivity in axotomized motoneurons

Abstract

By use of fluorescence immunohistochemistry it is shown that sciatic nerve section in cat and rat induces increased levels of immunoreactive calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in axotomized motoneurons. In the rat, this effect was clearly seen at 2–5 days postoperatively, but could not be demonstrated after 11–21 days. These findings are discussed in relation to previously proposed roles for CGRP in motoneurons.