5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE (5-HT) AND THE INITIATION OF MIGRAINE - NEW PERSPECTIVES

The hypothesis that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) acting through 5-HTHC r eceptors is a key factor in the initiation of migraine has been re-eva luated in the light of recent basic and clinical scientific developmen ts. The key findings are that nitric oxide is an important trigger for migraine, that 5-HT2B/5-HT2C receptors are present on endothelial cel ls and trigger nitric oxide release when activated and that supersensi tivity of the 5-HT2B/ 5-HT2C receptor is a neurochemical feature predi sposing to headache. Taken together the data bring new perspectives to the role of 5-HT acting through 5-HT2C (or closely similar) receptors in the initiation of migraine.