Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2025

Advanced Glycation End-Products Sensitize Human Sensory-Like Neuron Cells to Capsaicin-Induced Calcium Influx
Published on: May 2, 2025
Insulin sensitizes neural and vascular TRPV1 receptors in the trigeminovascular system
Judit Rosta1, Máté Tóth1, Nadine Friedrich1
1Department of Physiology, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 10, Szeged, H-6720, Hungary.
Background:
Clinical observations suggest that hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance can be associated with migraine headache. In the present study we examined the effect of insulin on transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor-dependent meningeal nociceptor functions in rats.
Methods:
The effects of insulin on the TRPV1 receptor stimulation-induced release of calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) from trigeminal afferents and changes in meningeal blood flow were studied. Colocalization of the insulin receptor, the TRPV1 receptor and CGRP was also analyzed in trigeminal ganglion neurons.
Results:
Insulin induced release of CGRP from meningeal afferents and consequent increases in dural blood flow through the activation of TRPV1 receptors of trigeminal afferents. Insulin sensitized both neural and vascular TRPV1 receptors making them more susceptible to the receptor agonist capsaicin. Immunohistochemistry revealed colocalization of the insulin receptor with the TRPV1 receptor and CGRP in a significant proportion of trigeminal ganglion neurons.
Conclusions:
Insulin may activate or sensitize meningeal nociceptors that may lead to enhanced headache susceptibility in persons with increased plasma insulin concentration.
Related Concept Videos
Thermosensation
Insulin Secretory Vesicles
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways
Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
Sympathetic Signaling
Sympathetic preganglionic fibers release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) onto the ganglionic neurons in the...

