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Female-selective mechanisms promoting migraine
Shagun Singh1, Caroline M Kopruszinski2, Moe Watanabe2
1Banner - University Medicine Sunrise Primary Care, Tucson, AZ, 85750, USA.
The Journal of Headache and Pain
|April 24, 2024
Summary
Sexual dimorphism influences neurological disorders like chronic pain. Prolactin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) drive female-specific migraine mechanisms, suggesting sex-tailored treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Sexual dimorphism is observed in neurological disorders, including chronic pain.
- Nociceptor mechanisms differ between sexes at molecular and functional levels.
- Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder with higher incidence in females.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of prolactin in female-specific migraine mechanisms.
- Determine if prolactin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) contribute to sex-selective pain.
- Explore the translational relevance of these findings for migraine treatment.
Main Methods:
- Examined prolactin's effect on sensory neurons in female mice, non-human primates, and humans.
- Assessed prolactin and CGRP-induced migraine-like behaviors in rodents.
- Analyzed clinical data on CGRP-receptor antagonist efficacy in male and female patients.
Main Results:
- Prolactin sensitizes sensory neurons, producing female-selective pain mechanisms.
- Prolactin and CGRP induce female-specific migraine-like behaviors in rodents.
- CGRP-receptor antagonists show preferential efficacy in women for acute migraine treatment.
Conclusions:
- Qualitative sex differences contribute to migraine pathophysiology.
- Prolactin and CGRP represent key targets for female-specific migraine therapies.
- Patient sex is a critical factor for designing clinical trials and tailoring migraine treatments.
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