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ASICs as therapeutic targets for migraine
1The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, GR-41, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
Neuropharmacology
|January 14, 2015
Summary
Migraine pathophysiology may involve acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). ASIC blockers show promise for treating migraine pain by targeting these channels and altered pH levels.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Channelopathies
Background:
- Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder and chronic pain condition with poorly understood pathophysiology.
- Key contributing factors include hypothalamic dysfunction, cortical-spreading depression (CSD), and cranial meningeal afferent input.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of migraine.
- To explore the role of decreased extracellular pH and acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in migraine.
- To discuss future research directions for ASICs in migraine.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on migraine pathophysiology.
- Analysis of research implicating decreased pH and ASICs in migraine-related processes.
- Examination of preclinical and clinical data on ASIC blockers for migraine.
Main Results:
- Decreased extracellular pH and ASIC activation are implicated in hypothalamic activity, CSD, and meningeal afferent signaling.
- ASIC blockers have demonstrated efficacy in preclinical migraine models.
- Preliminary human studies suggest therapeutic potential for ASIC blockers in migraine patients.
Conclusions:
- ASICs represent a potential therapeutic target for migraine.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of ASICs in migraine pathophysiology and to optimize therapeutic strategies.
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