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Intranasally administered IGF-1 inhibits spreading depression in vivo
Yelena Y Grinberg1, Lois A Zitzow2, Richard P Kraig1
1Department of Neurology, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637-1470, United States.
Brain Research
|September 28, 2017
Summary
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) administered intranasally inhibits spreading depression (SD), a key factor in migraine aura. This novel therapeutic approach shows sustained protection and potential for migraine treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Migraine Research
Background:
- Spreading depression (SD) is a slow wave of cellular depolarization in gray matter.
- SD is implicated as the cause of migraine aura and potentially migraine pain.
- SD serves as a validated animal model for migraine studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify therapeutics capable of preventing spreading depression (SD).
- To investigate the potential clinical relevance of SD-inhibiting therapeutics for migraine treatment.
- To evaluate insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) as a potential therapeutic agent for SD.
Main Methods:
- In vivo studies utilizing intranasal delivery of IGF-1 to rats.
- Assessment of SD inhibition following single and repeated doses of IGF-1.
- Evaluation of potential toxicological effects, glial activation, and nasal mucosa integrity.
Main Results:
- Intranasal IGF-1 significantly inhibited neocortical spreading depression (SD) in rats.
- A single IGF-1 dose provided protection for over seven days.
- Repeated IGF-1 administration decreased SD susceptibility without adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Nasal administration of IGF-1 is a promising intervention for mitigating SD susceptibility.
- IGF-1 demonstrates potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for migraine.
- The study highlights the interruption of the 'SD begets SD' phenomenon by IGF-1.

