SummaryBeta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs are of prophylactic value in some patients with migraine. Beta-adrenoceptor responsiveness as measured by lymphocyte cAMP responsiveness to isoprenaline has, therefore, been compared in ten untreated classical migraine patients and ten matched non-migraine control subjects. Lymphocyte responsiveness to epoprostenol (prostacyclin, PGI2) was also compared. No difference in response to either agent was found between the two groups. A generalized abnormality of betaadrenoceptor function does not appear to be present in classical migraine, but a defect localized to specific vascular regions cannot be excluded.KEY WORDS: isoprenaline, cyclic AMP. IntroductionThe relationship between cardiovascular, neurological and haematological factors in the pathogenesis of migraine is not understood nor, consequently, is the mode of action of prophylactic migraine treatments. As a preliminary study to examination of beta-adrenoceptor and PGI2 receptor functional status during prophylactic treatment of classical migraine with beta-blockers, we have examined the general responsiveness of these vasodilating receptor systems during attack free periods. Beta-adrenoceptor and PGI2 receptor responsiveness was examined on lymphocytes by measuring isoprenaline and PGI2

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