title: Plasma and saliva levels of PGI2 and TXA2 in the headache-free period of classical migraine patients. The effects of nicardipine.
abstract: The levels of Prostacyclin (PGI2) and Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) were assayed simultaneously (RIA) in the plasma and saliva of 9 patients suffering from classical migraine attacks. The assays were done during an attack-free period. In relation to the control group we observed a significant decrease in the plasma levels of PGI2 together with a sharp increase in TXA2 in saliva. When the patients were treated with nicardipine, a calcium antagonist, the TXA2 increase in saliva did not occur. These results suggest both a systemic and local effect in the classical migraine attacks. We explain and discuss our results by referring to the PGI2: TXA2 equilibrium system. Nicardipine action might be related to its ability to reduce the calcium entry into the cell induced by thromboxane.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Farmacologia, Terapéutica y Farmacología Clínica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Puig-Parellada
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Planas
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Giménez
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sánchez
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gaya
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tolosa
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Obach
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D009529:Nicardipine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism*; D013928:Thromboxane A2 / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D013928:Thromboxane A2; D009529:Nicardipine; D015232:Dinoprostone