Kynurenines and headache

J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2012 Feb;119(2):285-96. doi: 10.1007/s00702-011-0665-y. Epub 2011 Jun 4.

Abstract

In parallel to serotonin synthesis, the major route of tryptophan catabolism is the kynurenine pathway, which produces neuroactive metabolites. Among these substances, kynurenic acid has potential neuroprotective action blocking glutamate release and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Glutamate is a key player in migraine pathogenesis; it is crucial in the communication of first and second-order neurons, and it has an important role in the genesis of cortical spreading depression, which is the electrophysiological correlate for migraine aura and may be involved in the activation of the trigeminal system. Thus, kynurenines may affect the pathogenesis directly, by acting on glutamate receptors and exerting other neuromodulatory effects, and indirectly via an altered serotonin metabolism. This work summarizes our current results regarding the role of the kynurenine system in trigeminal activation and other events occurring during migraine headache.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Chemistry / physiology*
  • Headache / drug therapy
  • Headache / etiology
  • Headache / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Kynurenine / physiology*
  • Kynurenine / therapeutic use
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy
  • Migraine Disorders / etiology
  • Migraine Disorders / metabolism
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / metabolism
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Trigeminal Nerve / metabolism
  • Trigeminal Nerve / physiology

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Kynurenine