Abstract
Background: The release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from trigeminal nerves plays a central role in the pathophysiology of migraine and clinical evidence shows an antimigraine effect for CGRP receptor antagonists. Systemic administration of nitroglycerin (NTG), a nitrovasodilator, consistently provokes spontaneous-like migraine attacks in migraine sufferers; in the rat, systemic NTG induces a condition of hyperalgesia, probably through the activation of cerebral/spinal structures involved in nociceptive transmission. Aim: The aim of this article is to test the analgesic effect of the CGRP receptor antagonist MK-8825 in two animal models of pain that may be relevant for migraine: the tail flick test and the formalin test performed during NTG-induced hyperalgesia. Results: MK-8825 showed analgesic activity when administered alone at both the tail flick test and the formalin test. Furthermore, the CGRP antagonist proved effective in counteracting NTG-induced hyperalgesia in both tests. MK-8825 indeed reduced the nociceptive behavior when administered either simultaneously or prior to (30-60 minutes before) NTG. Conclusion: These data suggest that MK-8825 may represent a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of migraine.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 616-623 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Cephalalgia |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Keywords
- CGRP receptor antagonist
- hyperalgesia
- migraine
- Nitroglycerin
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology