5HT(2) RECEPTORS IN CEREBRAL-CORTEX OF MIGRAINEURS STUDIED USING PET AND F-18 FLUOROSETOPERONE

Since the brain 5HT(2) receptors might be implicated in migraine patho genesis, we have used positron emission tomography and F-18-fluoroseto perone, a 5HT(2) specific radioligand, to investigate in vivo the cort ical 5HT(2) receptors in migraine subjects. Nine migraineurs who had e ither migraine with and without aura (n = 5) or only migraine without aura (n = 4) were studied between attacks. Twelve unmedicated healthy subjects of similar mean age were used as controls. Brain radioactivit y was measured after F-18-setoperone IV injection for 90 min. A decrea se of the regional specific distribution volumes (SDV) of the ligand w as observed both in migraineurs and in controls. The age adjusted grou p means of SDV did not differ between patients and controls for the wh ole and for the right or left frontal, temporal, parietal and occipita l cortex. These results suggest that cortical 5HT(2) receptors may be unaltered between attacks in migraine sufferers.