FUNCTION OF THE PERIPHERAL SEROTONINERGIC PATHWAYS IN MIGRAINE - A PROPOSAL FOR AN EXPERIMENTAL-MODEL

We propose a model for assessing the function of 5HT receptors in migr aine by evaluating their expression on monocytes by means of double-la beling fluorocytometry (CD14-positive cells FITC-labeled). This model demonstrates that during headache induced in migraine without aura suf ferers given isosorbide dinitrate followed by sumatriptan treatment 5H T expression on monocytes progressively increases. This increase may b e due to the activation of 5HT turnover and to the increased availabil ity of 5HT displaced by sumatriptan from cerebrovascular receptors dur ing head pain.