The role of nitric oxide in vascular headache.
Shortly after the invention of nitroglycerin (NTG), it was noticed that this substance is capable of inducing a violent headache. Only recently, it became known that this was due to the release of nitric oxide (NO) by NTG. As the molecular mechanism of migraine pain remains to be determined, NTG, being pro-drug for NO, has been used to study the aetiology and pathophysiology of migraine. Such studies with NTG- and also histamine-induced headaches, have led to propose that NO may be the causative molecule in migraine pain. The evidence supporting the role of NO in migraine is discussed, e.g. substances capable of inducing experimental vascular headache do so with NO as the common mediator, while drugs with antimigraine activity inhibit NO and the cascade of intracellular reactions triggered by NO. The importance of NO as a potential initiator of the migraine attack opens new directions for the pharmacological treatment of migraine and other vascular headaches.
van der Kuy
Paul-Hugo M
PH
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Maastricht Academic Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands. hkuy@kfls.azm.nl
Lohman
Joseph J
JJ
D006632:Histamine / Q000009:adverse effects; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000266:history / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000266:history; D014653:Vascular Headaches / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000266:history / Q000378:metabolism*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history
D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D006632:Histamine; D005996:Nitroglycerin