Reduced serotonin vascular sensitivity in ergotamine abusers.
The action of ergotamine on the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) venous sensitivity was studied in ergotamine abuser and non-abuser migraine patients. Ergotamine abusers showed reduced 5-HT hand vein contraction during abuse, compared to seven days after ergotamine withdrawal. In non-ergotamine users, the 5-HT venoconstriction was not significantly modified 12 h after a single intramuscular ergotamine (0.25 mg) administration. Even the administration of ergotamine locally into the vein did not change the venospasm of 5-HT given acutely in the same vein. Therefore, it seems that the 5-HT antagonism does not contribute to the therapeutic effect of ergotamine during the migraine attack. Moreover, the reduced 5-HT responsiveness during ergotamine abuse may possibly be compatible with the chronic headache present in some abusers, the withdrawal headache attacks and the abuse itself.
Panconesi
A
A
Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Italy.
Franchi
G
G
Del Bianco
P L
PL
Anselmi
B
B
Andreini
R
R
Sicuteri
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004878:Ergotamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D012701:Serotonin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014661:Vasoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects
D012701:Serotonin; D004878:Ergotamine