Changes of plasma calcitonin gene–related peptide levels in postmenopausal women

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to investigate whether the secretion of a cardiovascular hormone, calcitonin gene - related peptide, is modified in climateric women according to cardiovascular adaptive responses. STUDY DESIGN: Plasma calcitonin gene–related peptide levels were measured in climateric women in a basal condition (n = 15), in response to an upright position (n = 8), and during hot flushes (n = 12). The effect of hormonal replacement therapy on plasma calcitonin gene–related peptide was also studied (n = 9). Plasma calcitonin gene–related peptide levels were measured by a specific radioimmunoassay after an acidic extraction. RESULTS: Plasma calcitonin gene–related peptide levels in postmenopausal women were significantly lower than in the control group (p