THE NEUROENDOCRINE EFFECTS OF SUMATRIPTAN, A SPECIFIC LIGAND FOR 5-HT1-LIKE RECEPTORS

OBJECTIVE A relationship between the serotoninergic and the oplatergic system in the pathogenesis of head pain is supported by several data. This study was carried out to investigate the neuroendocrine effects of sumatriptan, a specific serotonin agonist used in the treatment of migraine, on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (PHA) hormones. DESIG N Two consecutive studies were performed. In study A, eight subjects r eceived a subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of sumatriptan (6 mg). In stud y B, a further six subjects were randomized to receive either sumatrip tan or placebo. SUBJECTS Healthy volunteers recruited within the staff (eight males and six females) were studied. MEASUREMENT In study A, p lasma cortisol and PRL were measured by direct RIA and beta-endorphin after extraction and chromatography. Samples were collected from 60 mi nutes before to 120 minutes after the administration of the drug, at 1 5-minute intervals. According to the data of the first study, in study B, in addition to cortisol and beta-endorphin, ACTH was also measured . RESULTS Significant increases in the mean beta-endorphin and cortiso l concentrations were found in every subject receiving sumatriptan, wh ile no significant changes were observed in prolactin plasma levels. S tudy B confirmed the activation of the pituitary-adrenal axis, additio nally demonstrating the release of ACTH, and indicated that placebo ha s no effects. CONCLUSION Acute s.c. stimulation with sumatriptan activ ates the pituitary-adrenal axis.