Methylergometrine antagonizes 5 HT in the temporal artery.
Methylergometrine, the main metabolite of methysergide, has 40-times greater 5 HT antagonistic potency than methysergide in isolated segments of human temporal artery. It is suggested that methylergometrine is the "active" drug when methysergide is used in migraine prophylaxis, and that the two compounds should be compared in prophylactic trials in migraine.
Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
P
P
Tfelt-Hansen
I
I
Jansen
L
L
Edvinsson
D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008755:Methylergonovine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008784:Methysergide / Q000494:pharmacology; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects; D012701:Serotonin / Q000494:pharmacology; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013699:Temporal Arteries / Q000187:drug effects*; D014653:Vascular Headaches / Q000517:prevention & control
D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D012701:Serotonin; D008755:Methylergonovine; D008784:Methysergide