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CGRP in human models of primary headaches
Håkan Ashina1, Henrik Winther Schytz1, Messoud Ashina1
1Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|December 13, 2016
Summary
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays a role in primary headache pathophysiology. Further research is needed to standardize CGRP assays and explore its role in other headache types.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is implicated in primary headache disorders.
- Understanding CGRP's precise role requires robust human models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of CGRP in human models of primary headaches.
- To discuss methodological challenges and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing human provocation experiments for primary headaches.
- Analysis of CGRP plasma level variations and assay methodologies.
Main Results:
- CGRP response in migraine patients is heterogeneous.
- Conflicting CGRP plasma levels indicate a need for assay standardization.
- The involvement of CGRP in tension-type and cluster headaches remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- Human models have advanced understanding of CGRP in headache pathophysiology.
- CGRP antagonists and antibodies are promising therapeutic strategies.
- Refined experimental models are needed to identify biomarkers and predict treatment efficacy.
