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The Journal of Headache and Pain
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Review article

Triptans and CGRP blockade – impact on the cranial vasculature

Authors: Silvia Benemei, Francesca Cortese, Alejandro Labastida-Ramírez, Francesca Marchese, Lanfranco Pellesi, Michele Romoli, Anne Luise Vollesen, Christian Lampl, Messoud Ashina, On behalf of the School of Advanced Studies of the European Headache Federation (EHF-SAS)

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

The trigeminovascular system plays a key role in the pathophysiology of migraine. The activation of the trigeminovascular system causes release of various neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, including serotonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which modulate pain transmission and vascular tone. Thirty years after discovery of agonists for serotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors (triptans) and less than fifteen after the proof of concept of the gepant class of CGRP receptor antagonists, we are still a long way from understanding their precise site and mode of action in migraine. The effect on cranial vasculature is relevant, because all specific anti-migraine drugs and migraine pharmacological triggers may act in perivascular space. This review reports the effects of triptans and CGRP blocking molecules on cranial vasculature in humans, focusing on their specific relevance to migraine treatment.
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Metadata
Title
Triptans and CGRP blockade – impact on the cranial vasculature
Authors
Silvia Benemei
Francesca Cortese
Alejandro Labastida-Ramírez
Francesca Marchese
Lanfranco Pellesi
Michele Romoli
Anne Luise Vollesen
Christian Lampl
Messoud Ashina
On behalf of the School of Advanced Studies of the European Headache Federation (EHF-SAS)
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
Springer Milan
Published in
The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-017-0811-5

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