Neurotrophins and Migraine

L. B. Martins, A. L. Teixeira, R. B. Domingues

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Neurotrophins (NTs) have been implicated in generation and modulation of nociceptive pathways. Change in NTs levels is associated with painful conditions and neurological diseases such as migraine. Currently, it is generally recognized that migraine headaches result from the activation and sensitization of trigeminal sensory afferent fibers leading to neuropeptides release such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP). This triggers an inflammatory cascade causing a neurogenic inflammation. The agents responsible for trigeminal activation and release of neuropeptides are still unclear. It is known that the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor-1 (TRPV1) is an important mediator of CGRP and SP release. TRPV1 is closely associated with tyrosine receptors kinases (Trk), which are NTs receptors. NTs can act on TRPV1 increasing its sensitivity to painful stimuli, therefore predisposing to hyperalgesia. Upregulation of ion channels and pain receptors in dorsal root ganglion neurons may be alternative mechanisms by which NTs contribute to pain development. Only a few studies have been performed to investigate the role of NTs in migraine. These studies have reported changes in NTs levels in migraine patients either during the migraine attack or in free-headache periods.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationVitamins and Hormones
PublisherAcademic Press Inc.
Pages459-473
Number of pages15
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameVitamins and Hormones
Volume104
ISSN (Print)0083-6729

Keywords

  • BDNF
  • Migraine
  • NGF
  • NT-3 and NT-4/5

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Endocrinology

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