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Blood Leukotrienes in Headache: Correlation With Platelet Activity
Author(s) -
LaMancusa Rita,
Pulcinelli Fabio M.,
Ferroni Patrizia,
Lenti Luisa,
Manzari Giovanna,
Pauri Franca,
Rizzo Paolo A.,
Gazzaniga Pier Paolo,
Pontieri Giuseppe M.
Publication year - 1991
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 - 10.1111/j.1526-4610.1991.hed3106409.x
Subject(s) - platelet , correlation , medicine , mathematics , geometry
SYNOPSIS Platelet hyperactivity, one of the commonest findings associated with migraine, has been related to increased release of biologically active substances such as catecholamines and arachidonic acid metabolites, which seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of migraine. In this study, in vitro platelet aggregation tests were performed on samples from patients with different types of headache. The presence of platelet hyperactivity was clearly demonstrated in 11 patients with classical migraine between attacks, but not in 4 patients between attacks of common migraine. Nevertheless, the presence of a marked platelet hyporesponsivity was found during the attack phase of both classical and common migraine. No difference in platelet aggregability was found between attack and post‐attack phases in 5 patients with cluster headache. Blood leukotrienes were analyzed in 8 patients with classical migraine and in the 5 patients with cluster headache. During the attack phase of classical migraine both LTC 4 and LTB 4 were present in the peripheral blood, while the post‐attack phase was characterized by the disappearance of LTC 4 and the presence of LTB 4 and its transisomer D 6‐trans‐LTB 4 . Blood leukotrienes were constantly absent during both phases of cluster headache. Incubation of normal platelets with LTC 4 or D 6‐trans‐LTB 4 was followed by inhibition of platelet response to epinephrine. D 6‐trens‐LTB 4 , at higher concentrations, induced the opposite effect. A possible role of blood leukotrienes in the changes occurring in platelet aggregability during the different phases of classical migraine, is discussed.