Exteroceptive suppression of temporalis muscle activity during migraine attack and migraine interval before and after treatment with sumatriptan

Modulation of exteroceptive suppression periods in human jaw-closing muscles by subanaesthetic dose of propofol

Exteroceptive suppression (ES) periods in human jaw-closing muscles can be conditioned by a wide range of somatosensory stimuli and cognitive states. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of subanaesthetic doses of midazolam, ketamine and propofol on the short latency (ES1) and long latency (ES2) reflex in the jaw-closing muscles. First, we tried to evaluate the various methodological criteria for ES recording. We then examined the effect of subanaesthetic doses of midazolam (0·035 mg kg(-1)), ketamine (0·30 mg kg(-1)) and propofol (0·35 mg kg(-1)) on these reflexes of recording left masseter and temporalis muscle. ES duration did not differ greatly in the present study, recorded with the correct adjustment of stimulating and recording conditions. None of the subanaesthetic doses of the agents influenced ES1, and no significant effects on ES2 were observed with midazolam and ketamine. However, significant inhibitory change was observed in ES2 with propofol. ES2 is thought to be mediated by afferents, which descend in the spinal trigeminal tract and connect with a polysynaptic chain of excitatory interneurones located in the lateral reticular formation. Our observations indicate that propofol is uniquely effective not only through involvement of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor, but also through a range of other effects.

Does sumatriptan cross the blood-brain barrier in animals and man?

Sumatriptan, a relatively hydrophilic triptan, based on several animal studies has been regarded to be unable to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In more recent animal studies there are strong indications that sumatriptan to some extent can cross the BBB. The CNS adverse events of sumatriptan in migraine patients and normal volunteers also indicate a more general effect of sumatriptan on CNS indicating that the drug can cross the BBB in man. It has been discussed whether a defect in the BBB during migraine attacks could be responsible for a possible central effect of sumatriptan in migraine. This review suggests that there is no need for a breakdown in the BBB to occur in order to explain a possible central CNS effect of sumatriptan.

The brain is hyperexcitable in migraine

Migraine is a very common disorder occurring in 20% of women and 6% of men. Central neuronal hyperexcitability is proposed to be the putative basis for the physiological disturbances in migraine. Since there are no consistent structural disturbances in migraine, physiological and psychophysical studies have provided insight into the underlying mechanisms. This is a review of the neurophysiological studies which have provided an insight to migraine pathogenesis supporting the theory of hyperexcitability.

Craniomandibular muscles, intraoral orthoses and migraine

Intraoral splints are effective in migraine prevention. In this review, changes in the quality of life of migraineurs treated with a palatal nonoccluding splint were measured. Using the Migraine Specific Quality of Life Instrument (Version 2.1), it was found that the palatal nonoccluding splint significantly improved the quality of life of migraineurs. The role of the craniomandibular muscles in the pathophysiology of migraine is also discussed.

Intensity dependence of the cortical auditory evoked potentials as a surrogate marker of central nervous system serotonin transmission in man: demonstration of a central effect for the 5HT1B/1D agonist zolmitriptan (311C90, Zomig)

As shown in animal studies, 5HT1B/D agonists can inhibit activity in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, which may be advantageous for their antimigraine effect. To demonstrate a possible central nervous system (CNS) action of these compounds in man we studied their effect on the intensity dependence of the cortical auditory evoked potentials (IDAPs), thought to be inversely related to central serotonergic transmission. An amplitude/stimulus intensity function (ASF) slope was computed in healthy volunteers and migraine patients between attacks before and 2 h after oral 311C90 (zolmitriptan "Zomig") 10 mg (n=14), 311C90 5 mg (n=7), sumatriptan 100 mg (n=14), dexfenfluramine 15 mg (n=4), lorazepam 1.25 mg (n=4) and placebo (n=14). 311C90 10 mg and, to a lesser degree, 5 mg significantly increased the mean ASF slope (p=0.007 and 0.05 vs placebo). There was a significant positive correlation between plasma levels of 311C90 and ASF slope changes. Sumatriptan and lorazepam had little effect, but dexfenfluramine produced a significant ASF slope decrease. 311C90 is able to modify a CNS activity that is modulated by serotonin, i.e. the IDAP. This effect is probably the consequence of its superior lipophilicity compared to sumatriptan and of activation of prejunctional 5HT1B/D autoreceptors, which lowers central serotonin release and thus the preactivation level of sensory cortices.