Effect of nitric oxide donors on the central nervous system--nitroglycerin studies in the rat.
The demonstration that nitrovasodilators act as nitric oxide (NO) donors has favored a resurgence of interest in this class of compounds. The demonstration of the different biological effects of NO in various districts, including the central nervous system, suggests a possible role for these substances besides their well-known cardiovascular activity. Among the various nitrovasodilators commercially available, nitroglycerin represents a well known substance to headache experts because of its capability to provoke spontaneous-like migraine attacks in headache-free migrainous subjects. Basic research has recently demonstrated that nitroglycerin activates a variegate set of brain nuclei following systemic administration via the intervention of selected neurotransmitters and neuromediators, with a specific time-pattern in different brain areas. Increasing evidence suggests that nitroglycerin-induced neuronal activation is mediated by multiple mechanisms that include direct neuronal and vascular action of nitroglycerin-derived and endogenously-synthesized NO, as well as indirect effects related to nitroglycerin-induced changes in cardiovascular and trigeminovascular systems. The study of the neurovascular effects of nitroglycerin in the rat provides relevant information for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of migraine attacks and of their triggers.
Tassorelli
C
C
Laboratory of Neurophysiopathology of Integrative Autonomic Systems, San Martino Research Center (University of Pavia, IRCCS C. Mondino Institute of Neurology, IRCCS S. Maugeri Rehabilitation Institute) Pavia, Italy.
Costa
A
A
Blandini
F
F
Joseph
S A
SA
Nappi
G
G
D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects*; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D005996:Nitroglycerin