Contributions of biochemistry to the pathogenesis of primary headaches

Abstract

We briefly summarise biochemical anomalies of serotonin, norepinephrine, glutamic and aspartic acids, the main neurotransmitters of inhibitory and excitatory neuronal circuitries, found in primary headaches and their relationship with pathogenesis of migraine and cluster headache (CH). In addition, the high levels of circulating tyramine, octopamine and synephrine (elusive amines), recently reported in both migraine types and CH, are discussed in relation to the other "classic" amines findings. In particular it is suggested how abnormal levels of elusive amines may participate in the pathophysiology of migraine and CH acting through their specific trace amine receptors and alpha and beta receptors. The possible hypothesis that emerges from the analysis of these biochemical findings is that an imbalance of systems, with opposite neurophysiological functions related to the pain and other yet unknown functions, may constitute the biochemical phenotype of migraine with and without aura, and CH.

Trace Amines and Their Receptors

“…3-MT levels are also markedly increased in patients with pheochromocytoma and are the most sensitive biomarker for this catecholamine-related disorder (Lenders and Eisenhofer, 2017). A role for trace amines in migraine and cluster headaches (D'Andrea et al, 2004) and foodrelated headache attacks (Smith et al, 1970) has been speculated, although certainly with respect to foodinduced migraines there is sparse supportive evidence (Berry, 2007).…”

High prolactin levels as a worsening factor for migraine

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IntroductionMigraine is a very complex condition; in fact its physiopathology is not completely clear [1]. It is believed that many neurotransmitters are implicated in this process [2], and hormones have been shown to play a major role in women [3].

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The efficacy of ginkgolide B in the acute treatment of migraine aura: an open preliminary trial

“…However, increased susceptibility to platelet dense bodies (in which glutamate is contained) release [9], together with a low threshold of platelet to aggregating agents as platelet activating factor (PAF) and ADP, may predispose to auras MwA sufferers [10].…”