Electrical stimulation of the Gasserian ganglion induces structural alterations of calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive perivascular sensory nerve terminals in the rat cerebral dura mater: a possible model of migraine headache

Neurosci Lett. 1995 Jan 30;184(3):189-92. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(94)11203-u.

Abstract

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-positive sensory nerve fibers in the rat supratentorial dura mater are equipped with varicosities and club-like nerve terminals, often attached to the walls of blood vessels. Brief electrical stimulation of the Gasserian ganglion results in significant swelling and increased immunohistochemical staining of ipsilateral perivascular club-like terminals, while long-lasting electrical stimulation induces their disintegration or bursting, resulting in irregular, corroded outlines of terminals and en passant beads. Stimulation-induced morphological alterations of perivascular terminals may represent a structural basis of increased CGRP content in jugular blood which follows electrical stimulation of the Gasserian ganglion and accompanies migraine attacks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Vessels / innervation
  • Brain
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / metabolism*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dura Mater / physiology*
  • Dura Mater / ultrastructure
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Female
  • Male
  • Migraine Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Nerve Endings / physiology
  • Nerve Endings / ultrastructure
  • Neurons, Afferent / physiology*
  • Neurons, Afferent / ultrastructure
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Trigeminal Ganglion / physiology*

Substances

  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide