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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
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Detection and Quantification of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) in Human Plasma Using a Modified Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Published on: June 16, 2023
Plasma CGRP Levels in Migraine: A Registry for Migraine Study
William Kristian Karlsson1,2, Rune Häckert Christensen1,2,3, Haidar M Al-Khazali1,3
1Department of Neurology, Center for Discoveries in Migraine and Danish Headache Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Denmark.
Neurology
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels are lower in individuals with migraine compared to controls. These findings suggest plasma CGRP is not a reliable biomarker for migraine activity.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is implicated in migraine pathophysiology.
- The role of peripheral plasma CGRP in reflecting migraine disease activity is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in plasma CGRP levels between migraine patients and healthy controls.
- To determine if plasma CGRP concentrations vary with migraine subtypes, clinical status, or treatment.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional observational study of 588 migraine patients and 147 matched controls.
- Plasma CGRP quantified using radioimmunoassay.
- Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U tests and regression models.
Main Results:
- Migraine patients had lower median plasma CGRP concentrations than controls (125 vs 151 pmol/L, p < 0.001).
- No significant differences in plasma CGRP were observed across migraine subtypes, ictal vs. interictal status, or preventive medication use.
- Plasma CGRP levels did not correlate with sample storage duration.
Conclusions:
- Migraine is associated with modestly lower plasma CGRP levels, contrary to expectations.
- Plasma CGRP levels do not appear to be a useful biomarker for migraine disease activity or clinical status.
