Role of opioid receptors in neurogenic dural vasodilation and sensitization of trigeminal neurones in anaesthetized rats.
Migraine headache is thought to be caused by a distension of meningeal blood vessels, the activation of trigeminal sensory neurones and the the development of a central sensitization within the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC). It has been proposed that clinically effective 5-HT(1B/1D) agonists act peripherally to inhibit the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and neurogenic dural vasodilation, and to attenuate nociceptive neurotransmission within the TNC. Since opioids are also effective anti-migraine agents the present studies investigated the role of opioids within the trigemino-vascular system in anaesthetised rats. Electrical stimulation of the dura mater evoked neurogenic dural vasodilation which was significantly inhibited by morphine (1 mg kg(-1)) the selective mu-opioid agonist DAGO (10 microg kg(-1)) and the mixed agonist/antagonist butorphanol (1 mg kg(-1)) but not by the kappa- and delta-opioid agonists (+/-) U50488H (100 microg kg(-1)) and DPDPE (1 mg kg(-1)). Morphine had no effect on CGRP-evoked dural vasodilation. In electrophysiological studies morphine (1 - 10 mg kg(-1)) significantly attenuated brainstem neuronal activity in response to electrical stimulation of the dura by 65% at 10 mg kg(-1). Morphine (3 mg kg(-1)) also inhibited the TNC neuronal sensitization following CGRP-evoked dilation. The present studies have demonstrated that opioids block the nociceptive neurotransmission within the trigeminal nucleus caudalis and in addition inhibit neurogenic dural vasodilation via an action on mu-opioid receptors located on trigeminal sensory fibres innervating dural blood vessels. These peripheral and central actions are similar to those of the 'triptan' 5-HT(1B/1D) agonists and could account for the anti-migraine actions of opioids.
Williamson
D J
DJ
Department of Pharmacology, Merck, Sharp & Dohme, Neuroscience Research Centre, Terlings Park, Harlow, Essex. david_williamson@merck.com
Shepheard
S L
SL
Cook
D A
DA
Hargreaves
R J
RJ
Hill
R G
RG
Cumberbatch
M J
MJ
D019900:3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl)-benzeneacetamide, (trans)-Isomer / Q000494:pharmacology; D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000494:pharmacology; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000494:pharmacology; D000758:Anesthesia; D000818:Animals; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002077:Butorphanol / Q000494:pharmacology; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D020875:Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)- / Q000494:pharmacology; D020881:Enkephalin, D-Penicillamine (2,5)- / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000494:pharmacology; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000502:physiology*; D014275:Trigeminal Caudal Nucleus / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D020875:Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)-; D019900:3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl)-benzeneacetamide, (trans)-Isomer; D009020:Morphine; D020881:Enkephalin, D-Penicillamine (2,5)-; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; D002077:Butorphanol