Effects of Subcutaneous Sumatriptan on Plasma Growth Hormone Concentrations in Migraine Patients

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the sensitivity of 5-HT1D receptors in migraine using sumatriptan as a pharmacological probe. The drug stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH) and this effect may be used to explore the function of cerebral serotonergic systems in vivo. We administered sumatriptan and placebo to 15 migraineurs and to 10 controls. Blood samples were collected -15, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 min after injection. Placebo had no effect on hormone concentrations. Sumatriptan induced a significant (P<0.01) increase in GH concentrations both in migraine patients and healthy controls. The GH increase was not significantly different in the two groups. Our results suggest that cerebral serotonergic functions mediated by 5-HT1D receptors are not altered in migraine. Sumatriptan overuse could lead to adverse effects mediated by its neuroendocrine activity.

Endocrine Function Is Altered in Chronic Migraine Patients with Medication‐Overuse

“…The pulsatile secretion of GH from the anterior pituitary is mainly controlled by the reciprocal actions of GH‐RH and somatostatin. In patients with episodic migraine, GH secretion is normal, both in basal conditions and after stimulus 21,22 . In our study, we found that GH concentrations after GHRH administration were significantly reduced in CM‐MOH patients.…”

“…In patients with episodic migraine, GH secretion is normal, both in basal conditions and after stimulus. 21,22 In our study, we found that GH concentrations after GHRH administration were significantly reduced in CM-MOH patients. The pathophysiological mechanisms of this reduced GH secretion are unknown.…”

Decreased Sensitivity of 5‐HT1D Receptors in Chronic Tension‐Type Headache

“…This is the first study to measure 5‐HT 1D receptor sensitivity in CTTH using sumatriptan, and the specificity of our findings deserve further investigation. We previously performed the same neuroendocrine tests in patients with migraine during the headache‐free period, and we found no alteration in 5‐HT 1D receptors sensitivity 18,19 . However, no data in patients with migraine during the headache attack are available.…”

Central 5-Ht Receptor Hypersensitivity in Migraine Without Aura

“…Pinessi et al. (31) examined plasma growth hormone responses to subcutaneous sumatriptan, a 5‐HT1B/1D agonist in a mixed group of male and female subjects with migraine with and without aura and a healthy control group. Subjects with anxiety or depression were excluded and controls were matched for age, gender and stage of the menstrual cycle.…”