CGRP in human models of primary headaches

Cephalalgia. 2018 Feb;38(2):353-360. doi: 10.1177/0333102416684344. Epub 2016 Dec 9.

Abstract

Objective To review the role of CGRP in human models of primary headaches and to discuss methodological aspects and future directions. Discussion Provocation experiments demonstrated a heterogeneous CGRP migraine response in migraine patients. Conflicting CGRP plasma results in the provocation experiments are likely due to assay variation; therefore, proper validation and standardization of an assay is needed. To what extent CGRP is involved in tension-type headache and cluster headache is unknown. Conclusion Human models of primary headaches have elucidated the role of CGRP in headache pathophysiology and sparked great interest in developing new treatment strategies using CGRP antagonists and antibodies. Future studies applying more refined human experimental models should identify biomarkers of CGRP-induced primary headache and reveal whether CGRP provocation experiments could be used to predict efficacy of CGRP antagonists in migraine patients.

Keywords: CGRP; human provocation models; migraine; primary headaches.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / pharmacology
  • Analgesics / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / metabolism*
  • Cluster Headache / diagnosis
  • Cluster Headache / drug therapy
  • Cluster Headache / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Migraine Disorders / diagnosis
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy
  • Migraine Disorders / metabolism*
  • Tension-Type Headache / diagnosis
  • Tension-Type Headache / drug therapy
  • Tension-Type Headache / metabolism*

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Biomarkers
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide