The molecular mechanisms of migraine pain remain to be determined. Our
studies of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)-induced and histamine-induced he
adaches have led us to propose that nitric oxide (NO) may be the causa
tive molecule in migraine pain. We also propose that substances capabl
e of inducing experimental vascular headache do so with NO as the comm
on mediator. Finally we suggest that drugs with antimigraine activity
inhibit NO and the cascade of intracellular reactions triggered by NO.
We believe these observations provide new insight into the mechanisms
of vascular headache. The importance of NO as a potential initiator o
f the migraine attack indicates new directions for the pharmacological
treatment of migraine and other vascular headaches.