Elusive amines and primary headaches: historical background and prospectives.
Although the role of trace amines such as tyramine, octopamine and synephrine in the pathogenesis of migraine has been debated for decades, this issue remains still unresolved. In spite of a relevant body of work, the inability to demonstrate specific receptors for these compounds and the lack of sensitive non-radioactive methods for the detection of trace amines in biological samples have limited their investigation in humans. However, the recent identification of a new, large family of G protein-coupled receptors, some of which bind and are activated by trace amines, has focused renewed attention on these compounds. This discovery, together with the possibility of providing novel insights for evaluation of the pathophysiological role of trace amines in primary headaches, may offer new opportunities for pharmacological strategies acting on these receptors. In light of the new scientific background, this review outlines a historical perspective and summarizes evidence supporting a role of trace amines in the pathogenesis of migraine and cluster headache.
D'Andrea
G
G
Headache and Comorbidity Center, Department of Clinical Pathology, Este and Monselice Hospital. Via San Fermo 10, I-35042 Este (PD), Italy.
Terrazzino
S
S
Fortin
D
D
Cocco
P
P
Balbi
T
T
Leon
A
A
D000588:Amines / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D003027:Cluster Headache / Q000266:history / Q000378:metabolism; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000266:history / Q000378:metabolism*; D009655:Octopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D013578:Synephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000378:metabolism*; D014439:Tyramine / Q000378:metabolism
D000588:Amines; D015415:Biomarkers; D014131:Trace Elements; D009655:Octopamine; D013578:Synephrine; D014439:Tyramine