Substance P and endogenous opioids: how and where they could play a role in cluster headache.
Substance P appears to be involved in the transmission of pain signals from the periphery to the spinal cord and brain stem. Substance P containing neurons are responsible for the neurogenic vasodilation identical to that obtained by substance P release evoked by antidromic stimulation of these fibres. Both endogenous opioids and somatostatin inhibit the release of substance P from central and peripheral endings. Present pharmacological investigations conclude that morphine and somatostatin are as effective as ergotamine in reducing the pain of CH. All three drugs are significantly more active than placebo. Somatostatin and opiates could act by inhibiting the release of substance P.
D000328:Adult; D003027:Cluster Headache / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004723:Endorphins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D013373:Substance P / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014653:Vascular Headaches / Q000188:drug therapy*
D004723:Endorphins; D013373:Substance P