title: CGRP receptor antagonism and migraine.
abstract: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, consistent with control of vasodilatation, nociception, motor function, secretion, and olfaction. alphaCGRP is prominently localized in primary spinal afferent C and ADelta fibers of sensory ganglia, and betaCGRP is the main isoform in the enteric nervous system. In the CNS there is a wide distribution of CGRP-containing neurons, with the highest levels occurring in striatum, amygdala, colliculi, and cerebellum. The peripheral projections are involved in neurogenic vasodilatation and inflammation, and central release induces hyperalgesia. CGRP is released from trigeminal nerves in migraine. Trigeminal nerve activation results in antidromic release of CGRP to cause non-endothelium-mediated vasodilatation. At the central synapses in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, CGRP acts postjunctionally on second-order neurons to transmit pain signals centrally via the brainstem and midbrain to the thalamus and higher cortical pain regions. Recently developed CGRP receptor antagonists are effective at aborting acute migraine attacks. They may act both centrally and peripherally to attenuate signaling within the trigeminovascular pathway.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Hospital, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden. lars.edvinsson@med.lu.se
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Edvinsson
authors.forename: Tony W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Ho
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001381:Azepines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / Q000378:metabolism; D000077221:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists; D004151:Dipeptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D010879:Piperazines; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D001381:Azepines; D000077221:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists; D004151:Dipeptides; D007093:Imidazoles; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D010879:Piperazines; D011799:Quinazolines; C525458:telcagepant; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; C406305:olcegepant