Related Experiment Videos
Abnormal 5-HT1D receptor function in cluster headache: a neuroendocrine study with sumatriptan
L Pinessi1, I Rainero, W Valfrè
1Neurology III, Headache Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine and Division of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. lorenzo.pinessi@unito.it
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|June 5, 2003
Summary
This study found altered 5-HT(1D) receptor function in episodic cluster headache patients. Sumatriptan, a 5-HT(1B/1D) agonist, showed blunted effects on growth hormone and reduced responses in prolactin and ACTH.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Episodic cluster headache is a debilitating neurological disorder.
- Serotonergic systems, particularly 5-HT(1D) receptors, play a role in headache pathophysiology.
- Sumatriptan is a selective 5-HT(1B/1D) agonist used to probe serotonergic function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the sensitivity of 5-HT(1D) receptors in patients with episodic cluster headache.
- To investigate in vivo serotonergic system function using sumatriptan as a pharmacological probe.
Main Methods:
- Subcutaneous sumatriptan and placebo were administered to 20 patients with episodic cluster headache (10 active, 10 remission) and 12 controls.
- Sumatriptan-induced changes in growth hormone, prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol were measured.
Main Results:
- The sumatriptan-induced increase in growth hormone was significantly blunted in patients with active cluster headache (P < 0.05).
- Prolactin and ACTH responses to sumatriptan were significantly reduced in patients with cluster headache, both in active and remission periods (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Cerebral serotonergic functions mediated by 5-HT(1D) receptors appear to be altered in patients with episodic cluster headache.
- These findings suggest a potential role for 5-HT(1D) receptor dysfunction in the pathophysiology of cluster headaches.