title: Decreased sensitivity of 5-HT1D receptors in chronic tension-type headache.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the sensitivity of 5-HT1D receptors in chronic tension-type headache using sumatriptan as a pharmacological probe.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Previous studies have suggested involvement of serotonergic systems in chronic tension-type headache (CTTH), but relevant experimental data are limited. Sumatriptan, a 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist, stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH) and inhibits the release of ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin. These effects may be used to explore the function of serotonergic systems in vivo.
  
  
  METHODS
  We measured GH, ACTH, cortisol and prolactin (PRL) plasma concentrations in 15 patients with chronic tension-type headache and in 18 healthy controls after subcutaneous administration of sumatriptan (6 mg) or placebo.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Placebo administration had no effect on hormone concentrations. GH and PRL secretion after sumatriptan administration was significantly (P<0.01 and <0.05) altered in CTTH patients in comparison with controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that cerebral serotonergic functions mediated by 5-HT1D receptors are altered in CTTH.
authors.affiliation: Neurology III-Headache Center, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Rainero
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Valfrè
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Savi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ferrero
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Del Rizzo
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Limone
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Isaia
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gianotti
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pollo
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Verde
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Benedetti
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pinessi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011388:Prolactin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D044346:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1D; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018170:Sumatriptan / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018781:Tension-Type Headache / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D044346:Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1D; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; D018170:Sumatriptan; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone