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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
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Gabapentin inhibits central sensitization during migraine.
Yanbo Zhang1, Guo Shao2, Wei Zhang3
1Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China ; Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Taishan Medical University, Tai'an 271000, Shandong Province, China.
Neural Regeneration Research
|September 11, 2014
Summary
Gabapentin, a migraine preventive, reduces central sensitization by lowering excitatory amino acids and inhibiting protein kinase C activation in the trigeminal nerve nucleus. This clarifies its mechanism in migraine treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Migraine involves peripheral and central sensitization.
- The mechanism of gabapentin in treating central sensitization during migraine is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of gabapentin on central sensitization in a rat model of migraine.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of gabapentin's efficacy, focusing on amino acid levels and protein kinase C activation.
Main Methods:
- A rat model of migraine was induced via trigeminal ganglion electrical stimulation.
- Gabapentin was administered intragastrically.
- Cerebrospinal fluid amino acid content and spinal trigeminal nucleus protein kinase C translocation were analyzed using electrophysiology, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and western blot.
Main Results:
- Gabapentin decreased neuronal excitability in the spinal trigeminal nucleus.
- Gabapentin reduced excitatory amino acid levels in cerebrospinal fluid.
- Gabapentin inhibited protein kinase C activation in the spinal trigeminal nucleus.
Conclusions:
- Excitatory amino acids and protein kinase C are implicated in the development and persistence of central sensitization in migraine.
- Gabapentin alleviates migraine symptoms by decreasing excitatory amino acid content and inhibiting protein kinase C activation.
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