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Decreased Sensitivity of 5‐HT 1D Receptors in Chronic Tension‐Type Headache
Author(s) -
Rainero I.,
Valfrè W.,
Savi L.,
Ferrero M.,
Del Rizzo P.,
Limone P.,
Isaia G.C.,
Gianotti L.,
Pollo A.,
Verde R.,
Benedetti F.,
Pinessi L.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
headache: the journal of head and face pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.14
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1526-4610
pISSN - 0017-8748
DOI - 10.1046/j.1526-4610.2002.02172.x
Subject(s) - serotonergic , sumatriptan , prolactin , endocrinology , medicine , agonist , placebo , 5 ht receptor , serotonin agonist , receptor , migraine , serotonin , hormone , pharmacology , alternative medicine , pathology
Objective.—To assess the sensitivity of 5‐HT 1D receptors in chronic tension‐type headache using sumatriptan as a pharmacological probe. Background.—Previous studies have suggested involvement of serotonergic systems in chronic tension‐type headache (CTTH), but relevant experimental data are limited. Sumatriptan, a 5‐HT 1B/1D receptor agonist, stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH) and inhibits the release of ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin. These effects may be used to explore the function of serotonergic systems in vivo. Methods.—We measured GH, ACTH, cortisol and prolactin (PRL) plasma concentrations in 15 patients with chronic tension‐type headache and in 18 healthy controls after subcutaneous administration of sumatriptan (6 mg) or placebo. Results.—Placebo administration had no effect on hormone concentrations. GH and PRL secretion after sumatriptan administration was significantly ( P <0.01 and <0.05) altered in CTTH patients in comparison with controls. Conclusion.—Our results suggest that cerebral serotonergic functions mediated by 5‐HT 1D receptors are altered in CTTH.