Research Submission: Plasma Cytokine Levels in Migraineurs and Controls

• Published in: Headache Vol. 45; no. 7; pp. 926 - 931
• Main Authors: Perini, Francesco, D'Andrea, Giovanni, Galloni, Elisabetta, Pignatelli, Francesco, Billo, Giuseppe, Alba, Sabrina, Bussone, Gennaro, Toso, Vito
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2005
• ISSN: 0017-8748; 1526-4610
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2005.05135.x

BackgroundThe vasoactive peptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), is released from primary afferent neurons in the trigemino-vascular circulation during migraine headache. CGRP at physiological concentrations and possibly via stimulation of its selective receptors on T-cells, triggers the secretion of cytokines. Cytokines play an important role in several physiological and pathological settings such as immunology, inflammation, and pain. ObjectiveTo investigate plasma levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in migraineurs and healthy controls. MethodsWe studied 25 migraine patients, during and outside attacks, and 18 healthy control subjects measuring plasma levels of IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha ), IL-4, IL-1 beta , and IL-2 using ELISA. ResultsCirculating levels of IL-10, TNF alpha , and IL-1 beta during attacks were significantly higher in comparison to their levels outside attacks (P= .0003, P= .03, and P= .05, respectively). IL-10 and TNF serum levels were higher in patients studied soon after headache onset and lower over time (P= .004 and P= .05). ConclusionOur results suggest that TNF alpha , IL-1 beta , and IL-10 may be involved in the pathogenesis of migraine attacks.