The role of the transient receptor potential ankyrin type-1 (TRPA1) channel in migraine pain: evaluation in an animal model

Abstract Background Clinical and experimental studies have pointed to the possible involvement of the transient receptor potential ankyrin type-1 (TRPA1) channels in migraine pain. In this study, we aimed to further investigate the role of these channels in an animal model of migraine using a novel...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Chiara Demartini, Cristina Tassorelli, Anna Maria Zanaboni, Germana Tonsi, Oscar Francesconi, Cristina Nativi, Rosaria Greco
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2017-09-01
Series:The Journal of Headache and Pain
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Online Access:http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s10194-017-0804-4
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Summary:Abstract Background Clinical and experimental studies have pointed to the possible involvement of the transient receptor potential ankyrin type-1 (TRPA1) channels in migraine pain. In this study, we aimed to further investigate the role of these channels in an animal model of migraine using a novel TRPA1 antagonist, ADM_12, as a probe. Methods The effects of ADM_12 on nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia at the trigeminal level were investigated in male rats using the quantification of nocifensive behavior in the orofacial formalin test. The expression levels of the genes coding for c-Fos, TRPA1, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) in peripheral and central areas relevant for migraine pain were analyzed. CGRP and SP protein immunoreactivity was also evaluated in trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC). Results In rats bearing nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia, ADM_12 showed an anti-hyperalgesic effect in the second phase of the orofacial formalin test. This effect was associated to a significant inhibition of nitroglycerin-induced increase in c-Fos, TRPA1 and neuropeptides mRNA levels in medulla-pons area, in the cervical spinal cord and in the trigeminal ganglion. No differences between groups were seen as regards CGRP and SP protein expression in the TNC. Conclusions These findings support a critical involvement of TRPA1 channels in the pathophysiology of migraine, and show their active role in counteracting hyperalgesia at the trigeminal level.
ISSN:1129-2369
1129-2377