CGRP measurements in human plasma – a methodological study

Meßlinger K, Vogler B, Kuhn A, Sertel-Nakajima J, Frank F, Broessner G (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

DOI: 10.1177/03331024211024161

Abstract

Background: Calcitonin gene-related peptide plasma levels have frequently been determined as a biomarker for primary headaches. However, published data is often inconsistent resulting from different methods that are not precisely described in most studies. Methods: We applied a well-proven enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure calcitonin gene-related peptide concentrations in human blood plasma, we modified parameters of plasma preparation and protein purification and used calcitonin gene-related peptide-free plasma for standard solutions, which are described in detail. Results: Calcitonin gene-related peptide levels are stable in plasma with peptidase inhibitors and after deep-freezing. Calcitonin gene-related peptide standard solutions based on synthetic intercellular fluid or pooled plasma with pre-absorbed calcitonin gene-related peptide influenced the measurements but yielded both comprehensible results. In a sample of 56 healthy subjects the calcitonin gene-related peptide plasma levels varied considerably from low (<50 pg/mL) to very high (>500 pg/mL) values. After a 12-hour exposure of these subjects to normobaric hypoxia the individual calcitonin gene-related peptide levels remained stable. Conclusion: Buffering with peptidase inhibitors and immediate freezing or processing of plasma samples is essential to achieve reliable measurements. Individuals show considerable differences and partly high calcitonin gene-related peptide plasma levels without detectable pathological reason. Thus plasma measurements are suited particularly to follow calcitonin gene-related peptide levels in longitudinal studies. The use of data for this study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical University of Innsbruck (https://www.i-med.ac.at/ethikkommission/; EK Nr: 1242/2017).

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Medizinische Universität Innsbruck Austria (AT)

How to cite

APA:

Meßlinger, K., Vogler, B., Kuhn, A., Sertel-Nakajima, J., Frank, F., & Broessner, G. (2021). CGRP measurements in human plasma – a methodological study. Cephalalgia. https://doi.org/10.1177/03331024211024161

MLA:

Meßlinger, Karl, et al. "CGRP measurements in human plasma – a methodological study." Cephalalgia (2021).

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