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Updated: May 13, 2026
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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Prostaglandins in migraine: update.
Maria Antonova1, Troels Wienecke, Jes Olesen
1Danish Headache Center and Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Current Opinion in Neurology
|March 23, 2013
Summary
Prostaglandins play a key role in migraine. Vasodilating prostaglandins like PGE₂ and PGI₂ trigger headaches and cranial artery dilation, suggesting receptor blockade as a potential migraine treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Prostaglandins are implicated in pain and inflammation.
- Their role in migraine pathophysiology requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on prostaglandins in migraine.
- To explore their role in the trigeminal-vascular system.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental and human studies.
- Analysis of prostaglandin distribution and receptor localization.
- Functional studies on cranial vessel responses.
- Investigation of prostaglandin-induced headache and migraine attacks.
Main Results:
- Prostaglandins are present in the trigeminal-vascular system, with receptors in the trigeminal ganglion and nucleus caudalis.
- Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), prostaglandin I₂ (PGI₂), and prostaglandin D₂ (PGD₂) induced cranial artery dilation and headache in healthy volunteers.
- PGE₂ and PGI₂ triggered migraine-like attacks in patients, associated with arterial dilation.
- Prostaglandin F₂α (PGF₂α) did not induce vascular responses or headache.
- An EP4 receptor antagonist did not prevent PGE₂-induced headache.
Conclusions:
- Prostaglandins are active in trigeminal pain pathways.
- Targeting prostaglandin receptors (EP and IP) may offer a new therapeutic strategy for acute migraine treatment.
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