Characterization of 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptors in human temporal arteries: Comparison between migraine sufferers and nonsufferers

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
An increase in the sensitivity of temporal arteries to 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) has repeatedly been suggested on indirect evidence as an essential component of a migraine attack. We examined the 5‐HT reactivity of isolated human temporal arteries removed from migraine sufferers and from patients operated on because of cerebral disorders. 5‐HT constricted these vessels in a concentration‐dependent manner, the response being attenuated by 10−8 to 10−6M methysergide. There was no difference in reactivity to 5‐HT or methysergide between vessels from the two patient groups. The pA2 value calculated for methysergide in controls was 7.8 ± 0.1 and in migraine patients, 7.6 ± 0.2, which closely agreed with data obtained graphically using Schild plots: 7.8 and 7.7, respectively. No difference existed between the patient groups due to age or sex. Thus, clear evidence has been obtained demonstrating the presence of 5‐HT receptors in human temporal arteries, although we could observe no difference in the character of the 5‐HT receptros between migraine patients and controls.