Migraine is associated with high brain 5-HT levels as indexed by 5-HT4 receptor binding

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Introduction: Serotonin (5-HT) plays a role in migraine pathophysiology, but whether brain 5-HT is involved in the conversion from episodic to chronic migraine is unknown. Here, we investigated brain 5-HT levels, as indexed by 5-HT4 receptor binding, in chronic migraine patients and evaluated whether these were associated with migraine frequency. Methods: Sixteen chronic migraine patients underwent a dynamic PET scan after injection of [11C]SB207145, a specific 5-HT4 receptor radioligand. Data from 15 episodic migraine patients and 16 controls were included for comparison. Quantification of 5-HT4 receptor binding was used as a proxy for brain 5-HT levels, since 5-HT4 receptor binding is inversely related to brain 5-HT levels. Results: Chronic migraine patients had 9.1% (95% CI: [−17%; −1.0%]) lower 5-HT4 receptor binding compared to controls (p = 0.039). There was no difference in 5-HT4 receptor binding between chronic and episodic migraine patients (p = 0.48) and no association between number of monthly migraine days and 5-HT4 receptor binding (slope estimate 0.003, 95% CI: [−0.004; 0.715], p = 0.39). Conclusion: The finding of low 5-HT4 receptor binding suggests that cerebral levels of 5-HT are elevated in chronic migraine patients. This is in line with observations made in patients with episodic migraine. Elevated brain 5-HT levels may thus be an inherent trait of the migraine brain rather than a risk factor for conversion from episodic to chronic migraine.

Original languageEnglish
JournalCephalalgia
Volume39
Issue number4
ISSN0333-1024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

    Research areas

  • chronic migraine, CNS, Headache, neuroimaging, pain, PET

ID: 209746102