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Urinary output of endogenous monoamine oxidase inhibitor and isatin during acute migraine attacks
J Jarman1, A Przyborowska, V Glover
1Department of Chemical Pathology, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Urinary output of endogenous monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory activity, was significantly raised in serial samples collected across a migraine attack compared with collections during attack-free periods and in healthy controls, which did not differ from each other. There was a highly significant correlation in output between isatin, a major fraction of the MAO inhibitory activity, and output of the MAO inhibitory activity itself. However, although there was a tendency towards increased isatin excretion during migraine attacks, it failed to reach statistical significance.
Insights
Urinary monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory activity significantly increased during migraine attacks. This suggests MAO inhibition may play a role in migraine pathophysiology, though specific compounds like isatin require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Migraine is a complex neurological disorder.
- Endogenous monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are implicated in various physiological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the urinary excretion of endogenous monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory activity during migraine attacks.
- To explore the relationship between isatin excretion and MAO inhibitory activity in migraine patients.
Main Methods:
- Serial urine sample collection from migraine patients during and between attacks.
- Comparison of MAO inhibitory activity and isatin levels in migraine patients versus healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Urinary MAO inhibitory activity was significantly elevated during migraine attacks compared to attack-free periods and healthy controls.
- A strong positive correlation was observed between isatin output and overall MAO inhibitory activity.
- Increased isatin excretion during migraine attacks showed a non-significant trend.
Conclusions:
- Elevated endogenous MAO inhibitory activity in urine during migraine attacks suggests a potential role in migraine pathophysiology.
- Isatin is a significant component of this inhibitory activity, but its specific role during attacks requires further study.