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Published on: June 2, 2014
Hypocretins and primary headaches: neurobiology and clinical implications
Innocenzo Rainero1, Paola De Martino, Lorenzo Pinessi
1Neurology II - Headache Centre, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15-10126, Torino, Italy. irainero@molinette.piemonte.it
Abstract:
Hypocretins (or orexins) are two neuropeptides synthesized by neurons located exclusively in the hypothalamus. Hypocretin-containing neurons have widespread projections throughout the CNS; with particularly dense excitatory projections to monoaminergic and serotonergic brainstem centers. The hypocretin system influences a wide range of physiological processes in mammals, such as feeding, arousal, rewards and drug addiction. Recently, a number of studies in experimental animals showed that hypocretins are involved in pain modulation within the CNS, and suggested the presence of a link between these peptides and nociceptive phenomena observed in primary headaches. The aim of this review is to describe and discuss recent studies in humans suggesting a role for the hypocretin neuronal system in cluster headache and chronic migraine.
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