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5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and the initiation of migraine: new perspectives

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Abstract

The hypothesis that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) acting through 5-HT2c receptors is a key factor in the initiation of migraine has been re-evaluated in the light of recent basic and clinical scientific developments. The key findings are that nitric oxide is an important trigger for migraine, that 5-HT2B/5-HT2C receptors are present on endothelial cells and trigger nitric oxide release when activated and that supersensitivity of the 5-HT2B/5-HT2C receptor is a neurochemical feature predisposing to headache. Taken together the data bring new perspectives to the role of 5-HT acting through 5-HT2C (or closely similar) receptors in the initiation of migraine.

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  1. Preclinical Research, Sandoz Pharma Ltd., CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland

    John R. Fozard & Hans O. Kalkman

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  1. John R. Fozard
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  2. Hans O. Kalkman
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Fozard, J.R., Kalkman, H.O. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and the initiation of migraine: new perspectives. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol 350, 225–229 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00175026

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00175026

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