Migraine, Serum Serotonin and Platelet 5–HT2 Receptors

Abstract

In spite of recent theories about the aetiopathogenesis of migraine, serotonin continues to play a central role, explaining the efficacy of almost all migraine prophylactic drugs. In migraineurs with and without aura we measured (by HPLC-EC) the serum serotonin (5–HT) and 5–hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5–HIAA) levels between as well as during headache attacks. Between attacks of migraine with aura and at the beginning of attacks of both types of migraine the serum 5–HT and 5–HIAA concentration was significantly increased. These results were corroborated by ³H-spiperone binding to platelet membranes: in migraineurs with aura in the attack-free interval, there was a significant decrease in its B_max, which suggests down-regulation of 5–HT₂ receptors. In conclusion, we have verified that migraine with aura differs biochemically from migraine without aura.