title: A putative 5-HT central feedback in migraine and cluster headache attacks.
abstract: 5-HT is considered to play a role in the migraine mechanism; its decrease in the midbrain during migraine attacks has been postulated. CSF TP and plasma and platelet 5-HT levels in migraine and cluster headache sufferers have been evaluated; the values registered were compared to those of neurological and carcinoid patients, respectively. The following results were obtained: (a) no significant difference in the time course of free and total TP after l-TP intravenous loading, (b) increased levels of CSF TP during migraine and cluster headache attacks, (c) impressively increased levels of plasma 5-HT only in carcinoid patients. These findings suggest the existence of a positive 5-HT central feedback mechanism during attacks of migraine and cluster headache and thus exclude peripheral 5-HT effects in the generation of pain.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003027:Cluster Headache / Q000378:metabolism*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000378:metabolism; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008303:Malignant Carcinoid Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000378:metabolism*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D014653:Vascular Headaches / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D012701:Serotonin; D014364:Tryptophan