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[Endogenous nociceptin level in ischemic stroke: connection to serotonin system]
Kornélia Tekes1, Mónika Hantos, György Bátor
1Semmelweis Egyetem Gyógyszerhatástani Intézet, Budapest. tekkor@net.sote.hu
Summary
Plasma nociceptin levels are significantly elevated in acute stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients. This finding suggests nociceptin may be a biomarker for stroke, as levels normalize after recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Nociceptin (orphanin FQ) is an endogenous peptide that modulates pain and anxiety.
- Its role in cerebrovascular events like stroke is not well understood.
- Serotonin pathways are implicated in stroke pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma nociceptin levels in acute stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients.
- To explore the relationship between nociceptin levels and stroke type (carotid vs. lacunar).
- To assess plasma serotonin and 5-hydroxy-indoleacetic acid (5HIAA) levels in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples were collected from patients with acute stroke (carotid or lacunar) and TIA.
- Plasma nociceptin, serotonin, and 5HIAA levels were measured.
- Levels were compared between patient groups and a control group, including patients recovered from stroke.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated plasma nociceptin levels were observed in all acute stroke and TIA groups.
- Plasma nociceptin levels were similar to control values in patients recovered from previous stroke.
- Plasma 5HIAA levels were significantly elevated in carotid and lacunar stroke groups, while serotonin levels showed non-significant decreases.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma nociceptin is a consequence of acute stroke and TIA.
- Nociceptin may serve as a potential biomarker for acute cerebrovascular events.
- Findings support the hypothesis of serotonergic dysregulation in stroke pathophysiology.
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