The link between glutamate and migraine.
Migraine pain-relay centers, including the trigeminal ganglion, trigeminal nucleus caudalis, and thalamus, contain glutamate-positive neurons, and glutamate activates the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Glutamate is implicated in cortical spreading depression, trigeminovascular activation, and central sensitization. Glutamate receptor-subtype antagonists are effective in preclinical models of migraine, and in the clinic. These preclinical and clinical observations argue for a strong link between migraine and the glutamatergic system, a link that is important to further characterize in an effort to better understand migraine mechanisms and deliver effective therapies.
Ramadan
Nabih M
NM
Department of Neurology, Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60064-3095, USA. ramadan@finchcms.edu
D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D018170:Sumatriptan / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012668:Trigeminal Ganglion / Q000378:metabolism; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D018170:Sumatriptan