Calcitonin gene-related peptide prevents blood-brain barrier injury and brain edema induced by focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion

► The preventive effects of CGRP on BBB permeability and cerebral edema were investigated in cerebral ischemia reperfusion rat. ► The results showed that CGRP could reduce BBB permeability and cerebral edema. ► CGRP could decrease arterial blood pressure and infarct volume. ► CGRP could inhibit aquaporin-4 and its mRNA expression. ► CGRP may play an role in improving ultrastructural damage of capillary endothelial cells.