This study was performed to examine the effect calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on blood flow through well-developed coronary collateral vessels. Studies were performed in 9 adult mongrel dogs 4-6 months after embolic occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) with a hollow intravascular plug to stimulate collateral vessel growth. At the time of study, the LAD was cannulated to determine inter-arterial collateral flow from measurement of retrograde blood flow. Radioactive microspheres were injected during retrograde flow collection to determine continuing tissue flow in the collateral dependent region. CGRP was infused into the left main coronary artery in a dose of 0.2 microgram/kg/min to reach collateral vessels originating from the left coronary system. Retrograde blood flow was 40 +/- 9 ml/min during basal conditions and increased 22 +/- 9% in response to infusion of CGRP (n = 9, p < 0.05). Tissue flow to the collateral-dependent myocardial region did not change in response to CGRP infusion. Isolated rings of epicardial collateral vessels contracted with prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) underwent relaxation in response to CGRP which was similar in magnitude to that of normal coronary arteries of comparable size. These data demonstrate that CGRP causes vasodilation of well-developed epicardial coronary collateral vessels, resulting in an increase in collateral blood flow.