Plasma and Saliva Levels of PGI₂ and TXA₂ in the Headache‐Free Period of Classical Migraine Patients. The Effects of Nicardipine

Abstract

The levels of Prostacyclin (PGI2) and Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) were assayed simultaneously (RIA) in the plasma and saliva of 9 patients suffering from classical migraine attacks. The assays were done during an attack-free period. In relation to the control group we observed a significant decrease in the plasma levels of PGI2 together with a sharp increase in TXA2 in saliva. When the patients were treated with nicardipine, a calcium antagonist, the TXA2 increase in saliva did not occur. These results suggest both a systemic and local effect in the classical migraine attacks. We explain and discuss our results by referring to the PGI2: TXA2 equilibrium system. Nicardipine action might be related to its ability to reduce the calcium entry into the cell induced by thromboxane.

Peripheral Levels of Inflammatory Mediators in Migraineurs During Headache‐free Periods

“…It is interesting to note that mean levels obtained from saliva in our study were higher than eicosanoid levels from both saliva and plasma reported in other studies 10,11,21,31 . This might be due to the fact that analytical techniques were different, the samples were treated differently for assays, and plasma eicosanoid levels differ from saliva levels.…”

Migraine: Possible Role of Shear‐Induced Platelet Aggregation With Serotonin Release

“…PGI2 and Platelet Aggregability.-In migraine patients, lowered levels of plasma PGI2 have been found. [98][99][100] This endogenous platelet antagonist is mainly produced by endothelial COX-2. PGI2 reduces intracellular free calcium levels via stimulation of platelet adenylate cyclase which elevates cyclic adenosine monophosphate.…”

“…PGI 2 and Platelet Aggregability.— In migraine patients, lowered levels of plasma PGI 2 have been found 98‐100 . This endogenous platelet antagonist is mainly produced by endothelial COX‐2.…”

Changes in Salivary Prostaglandin Levels During Menstrual Migraine With Associated Dysmenorrhea

“…There was also a reduction in dysmenorrhea symptoms in the SumaRT/Nap group when data were pooled from both studies. 11 Although previous studies have shown that PGE2, PGI2, and TXA2 were present in human saliva during migraine, 13,14 the levels of these and other PGs during the attack phase and in response to treatment of MMaD have not been investigated. Previous studies involving analysis of human saliva proteins and other molecules has provided evidence that levels of certain salivary molecules correlated with pathological condition and therapeutic response.…”