Triptans. A support to the central link between serotonin and acetylcholine in migraine.
Recently synthesized triptans, sumatriptan derivatives, display aborting migraine activity at doses and with plasmatic maximum peak dramatically lower (20-40 times) than sumatriptan, the 5-HT like agonist, which is the original molecule. That triptans easily cross blood-brain barrier strongly supports the central theory of migraine. We recently discovered the anti-migraine prophylactic action of centrally acting anti-cholinesterase agents, that seems a further support to the central theory of migraine. Indeed, acetylcholine is an important analgesia neurotransmitter and is intertwined with 5-HT central pathways.
Nicolodi
M
M
Interuniversity Centre of Neurochemistry, Florence, Italy.
Sicuteri
F
F
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000502:physiology*; D000698:Analgesia; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018170:Sumatriptan / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000700:Analgesics; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; D012701:Serotonin; D018170:Sumatriptan; D000109:Acetylcholine