Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 18, 2025

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

Published on: June 2, 2014

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μ-Opioid Receptor Dynamics in the Parameningeal Tissue During Migraine Attacks

Dajung J Kim1, Manyoel Lim1,2, Thiago D Nascimento1,3

  • 1Headache and Orofacial Pain Effort (H.O.P.E.) Laboratory, Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Annals of Neurology
|June 26, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Migraine patients have lower meningeal μ-opioid receptor (μOR) availability, particularly during ictal phases. This suggests extracerebral mechanisms contribute to migraine pain and are linked to headache intensity.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pain Research
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • The role of meningeal μ-opioid receptors (μOR) in migraine pathophysiology is not fully understood.
  • Migraine involves nociceptor activation and extracerebral mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate μOR availability in cranial parameningeal tissue (PMT) in individuals with migraine.
  • To compare μOR availability between migraineurs and healthy controls during resting and stress conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Positron emission tomography (PET) with [11C] carfentanil was used to measure μOR availability in PMT.
  • μOR availability was assessed in episodic migraine (interictal and ictal phases), chronic migraine (ictal phase), and healthy controls.
  • Relationships between μOR availability, headache intensity, and sex were examined.

Main Results:

  • Individuals with episodic and chronic migraine showed reduced μOR availability in the parietal PMT during ictal phases compared to controls.
  • No significant differences were found during interictal phases.
  • Lower μOR availability in frontal PMT was observed in women and migraine patients under stress, compared to healthy men. Interictal frontal μOR availability correlated negatively with headache intensity.

Conclusions:

  • Variability in PMT μOR availability is linked to migraine episodes and pain intensity.
  • Extracerebral mechanisms, involving meningeal μOR, play a significant role in migraine pathophysiology.

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