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Updated: May 10, 2026

Investigating Migraine-Like Behavior Using Light Aversion in Mice
Published on: August 11, 2021
CGRP receptor antagonism and migraine therapy
Lars Edvinsson1, Karin Warfvinge
1Department of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Lund University and Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. lars.edvinsson@med.lu.se
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays a key role in migraine pathophysiology. Blocking CGRP or its receptor with antagonists or antibodies offers effective acute migraine treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
Background:
- Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder with significant lifetime impact.
- Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is implicated in migraine pathophysiology.
- CGRP is released from trigeminal nerve activation during migraine attacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of CGRP in migraine.
- To discuss CGRP receptor antagonists and antibodies as migraine treatments.
- To explore the unresolved questions regarding CGRP's therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on CGRP and migraine.
- Analysis of CGRP's role in trigeminal nerve activation and pain pathways.
- Examination of therapeutic strategies targeting the CGRP pathway.
Main Results:
- CGRP is released from trigeminal afferents and transmits pain signals centrally.
- CGRP receptor antagonists are effective for acute migraine treatment.
- Antibodies targeting CGRP or its receptor represent new therapeutic approaches.
Conclusions:
- CGRP is a validated target for migraine therapy.
- CGRP antagonists and antibodies offer effective treatment options for acute migraine.
- The precise therapeutic site of action for CGRP-targeted therapies requires further investigation.
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