Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026

The Use of Pharmacological-challenge fMRI in Pre-clinical Research: Application to the 5-HT System
Published on: April 25, 2012
Sumatriptan challenge in bipolar patients with and without migraine: a neuroendocrine study of 5-HT1D receptor
T Mahmood1, T Silverstone, R Connor
1Psychopharmacology Research Group, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. tariq.mahmood@lcmhst-tr.northy.nhs.uk
Abstract:
An association between bipolar disorder and migraine has been lately recognized and an abnormality of central serotonergic function is suggested as the underlying neurophysiological disturbance. To examine the role of serotonin in bipolar disorder and migraine, we used the neuroendocrine challenge paradigm, and we chose sumatriptan, a 5HT1D agonist, as the pharmacological probe. We studied nine bipolar patients with migraine, nine bipolar patients without it, seven migraine patients, and nine matched normal controls. A post-hoc analysis showed subsensitivity of serotonergic function, reflected in a blunted growth hormone response to sumatriptan challenge in bipolar patients who also suffered from migraine.
Related Concept Videos
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists

