title: Mmp-9 immunoreactivity in acute migraine.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in migraine during headache and asymptomatic periods.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-four patients with migraine with and without aura (according to International Headache Society criteria) were studied. Clinical characteristic of headache were recorded. Blood samples for measurement of MMP-9 were drawn during headache attacks and during asymptomatic periods in all patients and in 10 healthy controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found higher plasma MMP-9 levels in migraine patients than in control group (129.3 [78.0-258.9] vs. 49.6 [39.1-64.3] ng/mL; P < .001). Migrainous patients showed higher MMP-9 plasma levels during headache attacks than in asymptomatic periods, both in migraine without aura (338.4 [275.1-396.2] vs. 118.2 [75.3-137.5] ng/mL; P < .0001), and migraine with aura (389.3 [273.4-487.1] vs. 139.3 [107.3-191.4] ng/mL; P < .0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study showed an increased production of MMP-9 during migraine attacks. These data suggest a possible role of inflammation or blood-brain barrier disruption during the migraine attack.
authors.affiliation: Headache and Stroke Unit and Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico Universitario, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: Rogelio
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Leira
authors.forename: Tomás
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sobrino
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Yáñez
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Blanco
authors.forename: Susana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arias
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Castillo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000201:enzymology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9