5-Hydroxytryptamine receptor subtypes and the pharmacology of migraine

Multiple 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors have been identified in the human nervous system. A subgroup of these receptors, designated 5-HT1 receptors, appears to be involved in the mechanism of action of acute antimigraine agents. This review summarizes data indicating that compounds with proven efficacy in the acute treatment of migraine are agonist at human 5-HT1 receptors. Further studies are cited to support two possible mechanisms of action for the efficacy of 5-HT1 agonists in treating migraine. It seems likely that a single 5-HT1 receptor subtype may be found in the near future to be the final common pathway in the mechanism of action of acute antimigraine agents.