TY - JOUR

T1 - The Role of Endothelin in the Pathophysiology of Migraine

T2 - a Systematic Review

AU - Iljazi, Afrim

AU - Ayata, Cenk

AU - Ashina, Messoud

AU - Hougaard, Anders

PY - 2018

Y1 - 2018

N2 - Purpose of Review: Vasoactive peptides play a key role in the attack-initiating cascade of migraine. Recent studies have highlighted a potentially important role for endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictor peptide, in migraine pathophysiology. Here, we review the current data on endothelin’s involvement in migraine. Recent Findings: We identified 23 articles. Nine studies reported on endothelin-1 plasma concentrations in patients with migraine, eight studies investigated relevant genetic associations, five studies investigated endothelin-1 and spreading depression in animals, and one randomized controlled clinical trial tested the efficacy of an endothelin antagonist in the acute treatment of migraine in patients both with and without aura. Elevated endothelin-1 plasma levels have been reported in the early phase of migraine attacks. Genetic abnormalities related to the endothelin type A receptor have been reported in migraineurs. Endothelin-1 potently induces spreading depression in animals, which may explain the connection between endothelial irritation and migraine aura. Summary: Endothelin-1 could be a primary factor in the attack-triggering cascade of migraine attacks with and without aura. Additional studies in humans and animal models are needed to further elucidate the role of endothelin-1 in migraine.

AB - Purpose of Review: Vasoactive peptides play a key role in the attack-initiating cascade of migraine. Recent studies have highlighted a potentially important role for endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictor peptide, in migraine pathophysiology. Here, we review the current data on endothelin’s involvement in migraine. Recent Findings: We identified 23 articles. Nine studies reported on endothelin-1 plasma concentrations in patients with migraine, eight studies investigated relevant genetic associations, five studies investigated endothelin-1 and spreading depression in animals, and one randomized controlled clinical trial tested the efficacy of an endothelin antagonist in the acute treatment of migraine in patients both with and without aura. Elevated endothelin-1 plasma levels have been reported in the early phase of migraine attacks. Genetic abnormalities related to the endothelin type A receptor have been reported in migraineurs. Endothelin-1 potently induces spreading depression in animals, which may explain the connection between endothelial irritation and migraine aura. Summary: Endothelin-1 could be a primary factor in the attack-triggering cascade of migraine attacks with and without aura. Additional studies in humans and animal models are needed to further elucidate the role of endothelin-1 in migraine.

KW - Aura

KW - Endothelium

KW - Spreading depression

KW - Vascular

U2 - 10.1007/s11916-018-0682-8

DO - 10.1007/s11916-018-0682-8

M3 - Review

C2 - 29557064

AN - SCOPUS:85044185969

VL - 22

JO - Current Pain and Headache Reports

JF - Current Pain and Headache Reports

SN - 1531-3433

M1 - 27

ER -