Endothelial, haemostatic and haemorheological modifications in migraineurs

Vasotropic, haemostatic and haemorheological parameters have been investigated in 17 patients suffering from migraine without aura in comparison with 11 sex and age matched healthy control subjects. NO metabolites (NO2- and NO3-), endothelin (ET-1), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), fibrinogen, D-dimer, fibrinopeptide A, beta thromboglobulin (beta-TG), blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, haematocrit (Htc) and red blood cell (RBC) filterability index (FI) were determined during headache free periods. Migraineurs NO3- and ET-1 plasma levels, compared to control values, showed a significant decrease and increase respectively; fibrinogen, beta-TG and D-dimer appeared slightly lowered in migraineurs, while Htc remained in the normal limits; tPA, PAI-1 and FI were significantly reduced, while fibrinopeptide A, blood viscosity and plasma viscosity at a low shear rate (shr) exhibited a significant rise. Data obtained support the involvement of endothelial, haemostatic and haemorheological functions in the pathogenesis of migraine.