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Platelet-leukocyte interaction and platelet activation in migraine: a link to ischemic stroke?

J A Zeller1, K Frahm, R Baron

  • 1Department of Neurology, Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany. j.zeller@neurologie.uni-kiel.de

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|June 18, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Migraine patients exhibit increased platelet-leukocyte aggregation, particularly with polymorphonuclear cells, even between attacks. This finding suggests a cellular link between migraine and stroke risk.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Migraine is a risk factor for ischemic stroke.
  • Neurogenic inflammation and platelet activation are implicated in migraine pathophysiology.
  • Platelet activation can promote pro-inflammatory leukocyte interactions, a mechanism seen in stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if platelet-leukocyte aggregation is elevated in migraine patients during headache-free periods.
  • To explore the cellular mechanisms potentially linking migraine to stroke.

Main Methods:

  • Compared 72 migraine patients (IHS criteria) with 72 controls.
  • Utilized whole blood flow cytometry.
  • Quantified P-selectin expression and platelet-leukocyte subset binding.

Main Results:

  • Migraine patients showed significantly higher platelet-leukocyte aggregates (p=0.003).
  • This increase was primarily due to polymorphonuclear cell-platelet aggregation (p=0.003).
  • Platelet activation was also significantly increased in migraine patients (p=0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Pro-inflammatory platelet adhesion to leukocytes occurs in migraine patients during headache-free intervals.
  • This process mirrors mechanisms observed in acute coronary and cerebrovascular syndromes.
  • Suggests a potential cellular link between migraine and stroke.

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