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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Cluster Headache Research - from "Headache&qu
        
(Message started by: Lizzie2 on Apr 20^th, 2006, 11:02am)

Title: Cluster Headache Research - from "Headache&qu
Post by Lizzie2 on Apr 20^th, 2006, 11:02am

Quote:

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain
Volume 46 Page 585 - April 2006
doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00407.x
Volume 46 Issue 4

Research Submission
Platelet Levels of Dopamine Are Increased in Migraine and Cluster Headache
Giovanni D'Andrea, MD; Franco Granella, MD; Francesco Perini, MD; Angelo Farruggio, MD; Massimo Leone, MD; Gennaro Bussone, MD
Objective.—To measure plasma and platelet levels of dopamine in patients with migraine with aura, migraine without aura, and cluster headache.

Background.—Clinical, genetic, and pharmacological evidences suggest that an abnormality of dopaminergic system plays a role in migraine pathogenesis. Direct evidence of an abnormal metabolism of dopamine in migraine, however, is lacking.

Methods.—Plasma and platelet levels of dopamine were measured in patients with migraine with aura or migraine without aura during headache-free periods and in patients with cluster headache during the remission and active periods, as compared with healthy control subjects, using a multichannel electrochemical high-performance liquid chromatography system.

Results.—Plasma levels of dopamine were not detectable with our methodology. Platelet levels of dopamine were higher in both types of migraine (migraine without aura = .20 ± .17 ng/108 platelets; migraine with aura = .16 ± .19 ng/108 platelets) than in control subjects (.10 ± .11 ng/108 platelets), although in migraine with aura patients the difference was not significant. Patients with cluster headache showed the highest levels of platelet dopamine (.34 ± .36 ng/108 platelets).

Conclusions.—Our results support the hypothesis that the dopaminergic system is impaired in migraine and cluster headache and suggest that high platelet levels of dopamine may represent an abnormal biochemical phenotypic trait of these primary headaches.

(Headache 2006;46:585-591)

Title: Re: Cluster Headache Research - from "Headach
Post by Garys_Girl on Apr 20^th, 2006, 12:17pm

Interesting. Don't know anything about dopamine without going to look it up. But thanks for the info!!!!

Laurie

Title: Re: Cluster Headache Research - from "Headach
Post by floridian on Apr 20^th, 2006, 1:06pm

Olanzapine (zyprexa) inhibits some dopamine receptors, as well as stimulating the serotonin 1A receptors. One of the Bobs is big on that as both a preventive and abortive. Long term use increases the risk of diabetes ... like anything, you pays your money and you take your chances. I got a bottle of it for international travel - I figured if the customs officers took my bottle of kudzu, I would have a fall back.

Speaking of kudzu, just checked, and one of the ingredients (diadzin, also found in soy) inhibits dopamine synthesis.

Quote:

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1998 Mar 3;95(5):2198-203. Daidzin and its antidipsotropic analogs inhibit serotonin and dopamine metabolism in isolated mitochondria.

Keung WM, Vallee BL. Center for Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences and Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Title: Re: Cluster Headache Research - from "Headach
Post by Lizzie2 on Apr 20^th, 2006, 1:36pm

It's funny, but if I take a dopamine blocker, I'm toast. At least, I think that's the direction that's problematic for me. If I'm backwards on that, then I guess I would fit in with what this article is discussing.

Does Reglan block dopamine? I think it does, but now I'd have to look it up. Reglan sends me into horrible muscle spasms and very bad pain. It's on the list of drugs to avoid for someone who has restless leg syndrome, which acts kinda like parkinson's.

Parkinson's is low dopa right?

Wonder what all these little connections would mean. It would seem impossible for someone to have RLS symptoms and migraine if this article is true (and if I'm not backwards on the chemicals...) but yet that combination is actually quite common! Now I have to do more reading, but it's a lovely day out so I went for a walk instead. ;)

Hugz,
Carrie :)