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Individual free fatty acids and migraine
Clinical and Experimental Neurology
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Migraine attacks are linked to increased free fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, which may trigger serotonin release and prostaglandin synthesis, worsening headache symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Migraine is a complex neurological disorder with poorly understood biochemical mechanisms.
- Free fatty acids (FFAs) and serotonin levels have been implicated in migraine pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of plasma free fatty acids (FFAs), specifically linoleic acid, in migraine attacks.
- To explore the relationship between linoleic acid, serotonin, and prostaglandin synthesis during migraine.
Main Methods:
- Plasma FFAs and platelet serotonin were measured in migraine patients before, during, and after attacks.
- Linoleic acid's effect on platelet serotonin was assessed in both migraine patients and healthy controls.
- In vitro experiments were conducted to confirm linoleic acid's action on serotonin release.
Main Results:
- Total and individual plasma FFAs, especially linoleic acid, increased during migraine attacks.
- Platelet serotonin levels decreased significantly in migraine patients during attacks.
- Linoleic acid administration led to a significant decrease in platelet serotonin in controls, suggesting in vivo action.
- Linoleic acid is a precursor to prostaglandins, potentially increasing prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) synthesis during migraine.
Conclusions:
- Linoleic acid plays a significant role in migraine pathophysiology.
- Elevated linoleic acid may act as a serotonin-releasing factor and a source for PGE1 synthesis.
- These actions of linoleic acid could contribute to the vasodilation and clinical symptoms observed in migraine attacks.