5-Hydroxytryptamine migraine

Certain foods can trigger a migraine attack by effects on neurotransmitter release or metabolism in the brain. For example, a number of foods contain tryptamine which is known to cause release of other amines (dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine) from both nerve terminals and platelets. This release could initiate the sequence of events that results in the migraine attack. Elimination of such foods from the diet can decrease the number of headaches. Compounds that discourage platelet aggregation (e.g. aspirin) may prevent such attacks. 

It is a 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonist (SHT c)- effective in preventing an attack of migraine. Adverse effects include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and nervousness. 

The triptans are agonists at 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HTib/ Id) receptors, nsed in the treatment of migraine. They inclnde ahnotriptan, avitriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and zohnitriptan (aU rINNs). The way in which the triptans prodnce their therapentic effect is not clear. Sumatriptan penetrates the blood-brain barrier poorly and presnmably acts peripherally on extracranial blood vessels. 

Hoyer D, Clarke DE, Fozard JR, et al. International union of pharmacology classification of receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). Pharmacol Rev 1994 46 157-203. Spencer CM, Gunasekara NS, Hills C. Zolmitriptan a review of its use in migraine. Drugs 1999 S8 347-74. 

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) has long been implicated as an important mediator of migraine headache. Specific... 

Alterations in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurotransmission have been implicated in a number of human disorders such as migraine, depression and anxiety as well as in normal human functions such as sleep, sexual activity and appetite. Unfortunately, the scientific association between 5-HT and these disorders has been largely suggestive rather than definitive. Nonetheless, recent advances in the understanding of 5-HT receptor subtypes have strengthened the ability to document specific links between modulation of 5-HT neurotransmission and human disease states. This brief chapter will present an overview of the current status of 5-HT receptor subtypes. 

In view of the importance of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in the etiology or treatment of numerous medical problems (anxiety, depression, stroke, migraine. 

Waldenlind E, Ross SB, Saaf J, Ekbom K, Wetterberg L. Concentration and uptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine in platelets from cluster headache and migraine patients. Cephalalgia 1985 5(1) 45-54. 

Fozard, J.R. (1992) 5-HTic receptor agonism as an initiating event in migraine. In J.Olesen, P.R.Saxena. (eds.), 5-Hydroxytryptamine Mechanisms in Primary Headaches, Raven Press, New York, pp. 200-212. 

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